Boosting Blood Flow: How a Special Technology Could Help with Comfort and Health

Welcome to another post in the Oriems Fit Research Digest series! We bring you fascinating research that inspires curiosity and helps you explore new possibilities with our technology. This post covers exciting findings about Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES - a niche of EMS) and its potential to improve blood flow—without making medical claims. Let’s dive in!

The Research at a Glance

Title: Wearable Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Quadriceps Muscle Can Increase Venous Flow
Authors: Johanna Flodin, Philip Wallenius, Li Guo, Nils-Krister Persson, and Paul Ackermann
Where It Was Done: This research was carried out at the Karolinska Institutet, a top medical university in Sweden, and the Swedish School of Textiles.

Karolinska Institutet, founded in 1810 is world-renowned for health research and is connected to the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.

A unique highlight of Karolinska Institutet is its significant role in the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. Since 1901, the university’s Nobel Assembly has been responsible for selecting the laureates for this prestigious award, further cementing its legacy in global scientific excellence.

What’s This About?

This study focused on whether a wearable device using Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) could help improve blood flow in the thighs. Specifically, the research tested special pants with built-in electrodes that stimulate muscles in a gentle, controlled way.

The researchers wanted to know:

1. Can NMES increase blood flow in a key leg vein (the femoral vein)?
2. What settings work best for comfort and effectiveness?

Who Took Part?

Fifteen healthy adults, aged 18–60, participated. They did not smoke, were not overweight, and had no medical conditions like heart disease or leg surgeries.

What Did They Test?

The researchers tested the pants with various settings like stimulation intensity, frequency, and timing. Blood flow was measured using a Doppler ultrasound—a reliable way to see how fast blood moves.

Key Findings (in Simple Numbers!)

1. Blood Flow Boost:

   • At a medium level of stimulation, blood flow increased by 93%.
   • At a higher level, it jumped to 173%!

2. Best Settings:

   • A frequency of 36 Hz was most comfortable and effective.
   • Removing gradual ramp-up times made the stimulation more effective.

3. Comfort:

   • Discomfort levels stayed very low, even at higher intensities.

Why Does This Matter?

• For People Sitting Too Long: If you spend long hours sitting (like on long flights), boosting blood flow could help keep your legs comfortable and healthy.
• For Easy Use: The pants make it simple for anyone to use NMES at home, thanks to their built-in electrodes.

How This Could Help You

Using NMES might be helpful if you’re looking for ways to support blood flow in your legs. While this study was focused on healthy adults, it shows promise for making NMES technology easier and more comfortable to use.

The Bigger Picture

This study is part of growing research on how technology can improve everyday health. It’s not just about feeling better but also about finding easy-to-use tools that fit your lifestyle.

Learn More:
For full details, read the original study: Wearable Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Quadriceps Muscle Can Increase Venous Flow. Published in Annals of Biomedical Engineering.

Why trust this source? The research was peer-reviewed, funded by the Swedish Research Council, and conducted by experts at top institutions.

This post is part of our Oriems Fit Research Digest, where we share exciting discoveries to spark your curiosity. Our goal is to inspire you to learn and explore more.

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Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational and recreational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before trying new treatments. For full details, visit our disclaimer.