At ORIEMS FIT, we bring you exciting new research that inspires curiosity and helps you explore ways to improve your health and fitness.

In today’s blog, we uncover a study that shows how Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) can enhance strength and power in elite rugby players.

Let’s dive into the details and see how this cutting-edge method works!

What Is This Research About?

Research Title:

Effects of Electromyostimulation Training on Muscle Strength and Power of Elite Rugby Players

Who Conducted This Research?

• Authors: Nicolas Babault, Gilles Cometti, Michel Bernardin, Michel Pousson, and Jean-Claude Chatard.
• Country: France
• Institutions:
  1. Faculty of Sport Science, Marc Bloch University, Strasbourg.
  2. University of Burgundy, Dijon.
  3. French Rugby Federation, Paris.
  4. Laboratory of Physiology, St-Etienne.

These researchers work at prestigious institutions known for their contributions to sports science and athlete performance.

Funding:

Funding details were not explicitly mentioned, but the involvement of respected academic and sports organizations ensures reliability.

Why Was This Research Conducted?

The study explored whether EMS could improve muscle strength and power over a 12-week training program for elite rugby players. It also examined how EMS could supplement traditional training to enhance performance.

Who Were the Participants?

The study involved 25 elite rugby players competing at the highest levels, including members of the French national rugby team. Participants were divided into:

1. EMS Group: 15 players who used EMS in addition to rugby training.
2. Control Group: 10 players who only followed traditional rugby training.

What Methods Were Used?

The EMS group underwent:

• 12 weeks of EMS training on their knee extensors, plantar flexors, and gluteus muscles.
• EMS sessions included 36 contractions per session, each lasting 5 seconds with 15 seconds of rest in between.

Tests for strength, power, and performance were conducted before the program, at 6 weeks, and after 12 weeks.

What Were the Findings?

General Positive Findings:

The study showed that EMS significantly improved muscle strength and power in elite rugby players.

Improvements were seen in squat strength, vertical jumps, and knee extension torque after 12 weeks of EMS.

Specific Evidence:

1. Knee Extension Torque:

   • Increased by 18% during eccentric contractions at 120°/s.
   • Improved by 19% during concentric contractions at 120°/s.

2. Squat Strength:

   • Improved by 8% after 6 weeks and by 15% after 12 weeks.

3. Vertical Jump Height:

   • Squat jumps increased by 10%, and drop jumps improved by 7% after 12 weeks.

4. Training Efficiency:

   • Reducing EMS sessions from 3 per week to 1 per week in the second 6 weeks still showed performance gains, highlighting the long-term benefits of EMS.

Why Does This Matter for EMS Users?

This research shows that EMS can:

• Enhance strength: Especially for large muscle groups like the thighs and glutes.
• Improve power: Vital for explosive movements such as jumping.
• Save time: Effective results can be achieved with reduced EMS session frequency.

How Can You Use EMS in Your Training?

• Combine EMS with traditional workouts for maximum benefit.
• Use EMS for strength building or as a recovery tool during lighter training phases.
• Adjust session intensity to reach 60% of your maximum muscle contraction for optimal results.

What Do You Think?

Have you tried EMS in your workouts?

Did it help you achieve your fitness goals faster? Would you like us to explore more studies like this? Let us know in the comments below!

Research Details

Original Title: Effects of Electromyostimulation Training on Muscle Strength and Power of Elite Rugby Players
Simplified Title: How EMS Boosts Strength and Power for Elite Athletes
Source: Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research

This journal is a trusted source for research in sports science and performance improvement.

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