Can Electrical Muscle Stimulation Wake Up Deep Spine Muscles That Exercise Can’t Reach? A University College Dublin (Ireland) Study Asked This Question

person Savannah Martin
calendar_today Dec 20, 2025
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At ORIEMS FIT, we regularly share interesting scientific research to spark curiosity.
Our goal is simple: help everyday people explore real science without confusing language.

At the end of every Research Digest, we include links to the original study.
If you enjoy reading full research papers or want to fact-check, they’re always there.

This post is part of the ORIEMS FIT RESEARCH DIGEST series, created to inspire self-learning.

What Was This Research About?

This study explored whether electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) could help activate deep spinal muscles that are hard to control with normal exercise.

These deep muscles help stabilize the spine during movement.
When they stop working properly, the spine can become unstable.

Who Did This Research and Where?

Researchers from University College Dublin, Ireland
Institute for Sport and Health
Presented at the IEEE International Conference on Biomedical Engineering (2011)

IEEE is a globally respected scientific organization focused on engineering and health technology.

Who Took Part in the Study?

13 adults with long-term low back discomfort
Pain duration: more than 6 months
Age range: 20–60 years
All participants completed the study

What Type of Electrical Stimulation Was Used?

This study used Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) — a form of EMS that activates muscles, not nerves.

Key details:

Electrodes placed on the abdomen and lower back
Sessions lasted 15–30 minutes
Used 1–2 times per day
Continued for 6 weeks
Intensity strong enough to create muscle contraction, without discomfort

How Did Researchers Measure Results?

Researchers used real-time ultrasound imaging.
This allowed them to see muscles activating, not guess.

They measured:

Muscle thickness changes during movement
Muscle size at rest
Self-reported pain scores

What Did the Study Find? (Positive EMS Findings Only)

1. Deep Abdominal Muscles Became More Active

After EMS training:

Transversus abdominis activation increased on both sides
Internal oblique muscle activation also increased
These muscles turned on more effectively during spinal loading tasks

This suggests EMS helped “wake up” deep stabilizing muscles.

2. Deep Spine Muscles Increased in Size

Lumbar multifidus resting thickness increased significantly
This suggests muscle engagement and structural change over time

Muscle size increase was measured directly using ultrasound.

3. Pain Ratings Dropped Significantly

Average pain score dropped from 4.6 to 1.9
This is roughly a 50% reduction
12 out of 13 participants reported improvement

This change occurred alongside improved muscle activation.

Why Is This Interesting?

Deep spine muscles are hard to activate on purpose.
Many people cannot feel them working during normal exercise.

This study suggests EMS may:

Help activate muscles that are difficult to control voluntarily
Support spinal stability during everyday movement
Complement physical activity, not replace it

How Might This Help EMS Users?

This research helps explain why EMS keeps appearing in spine and movement studies.

It shows EMS can:

Activate deep stabilizing muscles
Produce measurable physical changes
Be used consistently at home

It does not claim treatment or cure.

Study Information

Original Paper Title:
Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Training Results in Enhanced Activation of Spinal Stabilizing Muscles During Spinal Loading and Improvements in Pain Ratings

Simplified Name:
Can EMS Activate Deep Spine Muscles and Reduce Pain Ratings?

Source:
Published and presented through IEEE, a globally trusted scientific organization

Study Summary Table

Category	Key Details
Research Type	Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (EMS)
Participants	13 adults with long-term low back discomfort
Duration	6 weeks
Session Length	15–30 minutes
Key Muscles	Transversus abdominis, internal oblique, multifidus
Measurement Tool	Ultrasound imaging
Pain Change	4.6 → 1.9 (≈50% reduction)
Muscle Changes	Increased activation and resting thickness

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Read the original study on PubMed ➜ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22256103/

Join the Discussion

Did you know deep spine muscles can be hard to activate with exercise alone?
Leave a comment and share your thoughts.

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This blog post is for informational and recreational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment.
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