Welcome to the Oriems Fit Research Digest!
At Oriems Fit, we love bringing you exciting new research to inspire curiosity and learning. Today, we’re diving into a study on Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) and its powerful effects on preserving muscle strength in critically ill patients. Remember, this blog is for information and learning, not medical advice.

What is EMS?
EMS, or Electrical Muscle Stimulation, uses small electrical pulses to make muscles contract, just like when we exercise. This is especially helpful for people who can’t move much, like those in the hospital.

About the Study

• Original Study Name: Electrical Muscle Stimulation: An Effective Form of Exercise and Early Mobilization to Preserve Muscle Strength in Critically Ill Patients
• Who Did It? Eleftherios Karatzanos and a team of researchers from Evangelismos Hospital and the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece.
• When? The study was conducted between 2007 and 2009 and was published in 2012 in the journal Critical Care Research and Practice, which is managed by Hindawi Publishing Corporation, a publishing company headquartered in the United Kingdom.
• Why Trust It? This research was funded by the European Union and the Greek Ministry of Development, ensuring high standards and reliability.

What Was the Study About?
The researchers wanted to see if EMS could help patients in the ICU (Intensive Care Unit) keep their muscles strong. They tested 142 patients who were critically ill. These patients were randomly divided into two groups:

1. EMS Group: Received daily EMS sessions on leg muscles.
2. Control Group: Received regular care without EMS.

What Did the Researchers Find?
The results were incredible! Here’s exactly how EMS helped:

1. Stronger Leg Muscles:

   • Patients in the EMS group scored 29 (out of 30) on the muscle strength scale for their legs, compared to 25 (out of 30) in the control group. This is a 16% improvement in leg strength.

2. Better Overall Strength:

   • The total muscle strength score (all limbs combined) was 58 points in the EMS group and only 52 points in the control group. That’s an 11.5% increase in total strength for EMS patients.

3. Wrist Flexion (Grip Strength):

   • EMS patients had 20% stronger wrists compared to the control group.

4. Lower Muscle Loss:

   • EMS reduced muscle shrinkage significantly. For example, the cross-sectional size of the thigh muscles decreased less in the EMS group than in the control group, based on ultrasound scans.

5. Reduced ICU-Acquired Weakness (ICU-AW):

   • ICU-AW is a condition that weakens muscles severely. Only 12.5% of EMS patients developed ICU-AW, compared to 39.3% in the control group. That’s a 68% reduction in weakness!

6. Shorter Ventilation Times:

   • EMS patients needed less time on mechanical ventilation, helping them recover faster.

Why Is This Important?

• Maintains Muscle Health: EMS keeps muscles strong and healthy even when patients can’t move.
• Systemic Benefits: EMS doesn’t just help the treated muscles—it also strengthens muscles in other parts of the body.
• Prevents Complications: By reducing ICU-AW, EMS helps patients recover more quickly and comfortably.

Who Can This Help?
This research is especially exciting for anyone who uses EMS devices. While this study focused on critically ill patients, the findings suggest that EMS can be a powerful tool for anyone looking to maintain muscle health during periods of limited mobility.

Where Can You Learn More?
Want to dive deeper into the details? You can read the full study here.

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational and recreational purposes only! Always consult a healthcare professional before trying anything new. For more details, see our disclaimer here.

We hope this inspires you to explore how technology like EMS can make a difference. Stay curious with Oriems Fit Research Digest!