Quick Overview
Scientists at Northern Illinois University tested abdominal EMS in 38 healthy men and women. They measured energy use, heart rate, and breathing at rest and while walking.
EMS raised energy expenditure by 19.4% at rest and 4.4% during walking. Heart rate rose 14.3% at rest and 8.3% while walking. Fat use also increased during walking.
Men and women responded the same. Results were strong even at different comfort levels.
These findings show abdominal EMS can boost metabolism and cardiorespiratory demand in healthy adults. Related research suggests it may also help other groups and purposes.
The study was carefully controlled, repeated, and published in a peer-reviewed journal led by Dr. Craig E. Broeder. Read the full post to see all the clear evidence.
We always provide direct links to the original research at the end of every article so you can review the evidence yourself.
Scientists Discover Abdominal EMS Boosts Energy Burn and Heart Response in Healthy Adults
Imagine resting quietly or taking a steady walk.
Then a gentle pulse activates your core muscles.
Suddenly your body works a little harder.
Your energy use rises.
Your breathing deepens.
Your heart beats a bit faster.
This is what a careful new study found with abdominal EMS.
Researchers at Northern Illinois University tested 38 healthy men and women.
Ages ranged from 18 to 45.
Each person tried the same abdominal EMS protocol twice.
They compared it to a control condition with no stimulation.
The results were clear and repeatable.
At rest, energy expenditure jumped 19.4 percent.
Oxygen use rose 17.4 percent.
Heart rate climbed 14.3 percent.
Carbohydrate use nearly doubled.
During a steady walk at 3.5 miles per hour on a 5 percent grade, benefits continued.
Ventilation increased 9.6 percent.
Energy expenditure rose another 4.4 percent.
Heart rate went up 8.3 percent.
Fat use increased 10.4 percent.
Men and women showed the same strong responses.
People with lower and higher tolerance levels both gained similar boosts.
The effect did not depend on how much intensity someone could handle.
What mattered was reaching a clear, comfortable muscle activation.
Fat-free body weight and trunk lean tissue linked most closely to resting energy use.
This helps explain why the abdominal focus worked well.
The study used precise lab equipment and independent checks.
Test-retest reliability was very high.
Results stayed consistent across separate days.
These findings show abdominal EMS can raise metabolic demand in healthy adults.
It supports higher energy expenditure both at rest and during light walking.
The cardiorespiratory system responds positively.
Related work has explored EMS in other settings too.
Athletes, people recovering from illness, and older adults have been studied before.
This research adds solid evidence for everyday healthy users.
It suggests wider groups may also see metabolic support.
Using abdominal EMS more often, at a comfortable level, may help maintain that extra energy demand.
The brighter the activation feels, the clearer the response appears.
Short sessions already produced measurable gains.
Healthy adults who want a simple way to support their metabolism now have clear data.
Abdominal EMS raised energy use, heart response, and fat oxidation during activity.
The science is straightforward.
The results speak for themselves.
This work was published in the International Journal of Sports and Exercise Medicine.
It comes from a respected university research team in the United States.
The methods were open and carefully monitored.
Abdominal EMS offers a practical way to gently increase daily energy demand.
More consistent use may help keep that metabolic lift going.
Healthy men and women already benefit.
Others may discover similar support as research continues.
Featured Product
ORIEMS FIT ULTIMATE KIT 💪 is a 100% Australian award-winning product.
Voted YEAR’S BEST ⭐ for 2024 and 2025.
It is a wide-range targeted muscle stimulator enhanced with EMS technology, designed to support your fitness and relaxation routine. 🌟
Trusted by more than 10,000 happy users with over 450 five-star Google reviews. 😊
Check availability.
Product Disclaimer:
This product is designed only to support fitness and relaxation routines. It is not a medical device and has not been evaluated or registered by the TGA. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or medical condition. It may not be suitable for everyone. Please consult your doctor or healthcare practitioner before using it.
Like this Research Digest? 📚Share it with your friends 💬👇 |
About Our Health Research Digest
We bring you the latest and most important health research papers — simplified and easy to understand.
Each study is broken down into clear, concise summaries and engaging podcasts, with direct links to the original research so you can explore further whenever you like.
We also create content based on your requests. If you’re curious about a specific health topic or would like us to find relevant studies, simplify the findings, and turn them into a podcast, just let us know.
Don’t hesitate to reach out — we’re here to help make health research accessible and useful for you. Contact us anytime.
More EMS Research Scientists Are Studying
1. Can EMS reduce fat?
2. Can EMS increase calorie burn while sitting?
3. Can EMS support muscle toning and muscle gains?
4. Can EMS improve athletic training?
5. Can EMS play a role in muscle loss & frailty?
6. Can EMS reduce pain?
7. EMS vs TENS: What are the differences?
8. Can EMS play a role after stroke?
Research Summary
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Original study link | https://www.clinmedjournals.org/articles/ijsem/international-journal-of-sports-and-exercise-medicine-ijsem-4-087.php |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.23937/2469-5718/1510087 |
| Full title | The Metabolic Cardiorespiratory Effects of Abdominal Electrical Muscle Stimulation |
| Authors | Craig E Broeder, Amanda J Salacinski, Steve Mauk, Dimitria Vandarakis |
| Research institution | Northern Illinois University, USA |
| Journal | International Journal of Sports and Exercise Medicine |
| Publication year | 2018 |
| Study purpose | To measure acute metabolic and cardiorespiratory effects of abdominal EMS at rest and during steady-state walking in healthy adults |
| Participants | 38 healthy adults who completed all trials (19 men, 19 women) |
| Age range | 18 to 45 years |
| Study design | Duplicate test-retest trials with and without EMS, including a sham (no activation) control condition |
| Resting condition | Supine rest with abdominal EMS activation compared to sham |
| Exercise condition | Steady-state treadmill walking at 3.5 mph and 5% grade with abdominal EMS activation compared to sham |
| Resting energy expenditure change | Increased 19.4% with EMS activation (p = 0.0001) |
| Resting heart rate change | Increased 14.3% with EMS activation (p = 0.0001) |
| Resting oxygen uptake change | Increased 17.4% with EMS activation (p = 0.0001) |
| Exercise energy expenditure change | Increased 4.4% with EMS activation (p = 0.0001) |
| Exercise heart rate change | Increased 8.3% with EMS activation (p = 0.0001) |
| Exercise ventilation change | Increased 9.6% with EMS activation (p = 0.0001) |
| Fat oxidation during exercise | Increased 10.4% with EMS activation (p = 0.0001) |
| Gender differences | Men and women responded similarly to EMS activation |
| EMS tolerance level | Effects on energy expenditure were independent of low versus high maximal tolerable activation level |
| Strongest baseline correlates | Fat-free weight and trunk lean tissue showed the strongest links to resting energy expenditure |
| Test-retest reliability | Very high (ICC r-values ≥ 0.90) with no significant differences between repeated trials |
| Monitoring | Independent FDA-approved monitoring company verified data collection |
| Platform | Listen Now |
|---|---|
 Apple Podcasts |
Listen on Apple |
 Spotify |
Listen on Spotify |
 YouTube |
Watch on YouTube |
 Amazon Audible |
Listen on Audible |
 Podbean |
Listen on Podbean |
Disclaimer
This article is published for general information and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, health advice, diagnosis, or treatment of any kind.
All content on this website, including any studies, research, or information mentioned, is provided for informational purposes only and does not imply or guarantee any specific health outcomes.
We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected in any way to any researchers, universities, research centres, journals, or institutions referenced in any article. No reference to any study, researcher, or publication should be interpreted as an endorsement or recommendation of any products sold or featured on this website.
Our products (and any products featured or linked in this article) are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, prevent, or manage any disease or medical condition. Individual results may vary significantly. No guarantees or warranties are made regarding effectiveness, safety, or specific outcomes.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any product mentioned on this website or making any changes to your health routine, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition, are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a pacemaker, or are taking medication.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, ORIEMS FIT, its directors, employees, authors, affiliates, and agents disclaim all liability for any loss, damage, cost, expense, or injury (whether direct, indirect, consequential, special, or incidental) arising from the use of, or reliance upon, any information in this article or from the purchase or use of any products featured or sold on this website.
© [ORIEMS FIT] – All Rights Reserved.
