A Hospital Study From China Explored This**

This blog post is part of the ORIEMS FIT RESEARCH DIGEST series.

In this series, we share real scientific research in very simple language, so anyone can understand it — whether you are 14 years old or 70 years old.

We do this to inspire curiosity, not to give medical advice.

At the end of every post, we include links to the original research papers, so you can fact-check everything, download the full PDF, and start your own research journey

If you ever prefer the original science instead of our explanation, you can skip straight to the source.

WHO DID THIS RESEARCH — AND WHEN?

Who were the researchers?
This study was conducted by spine surgery doctors and researchers including Lulu Wang and colleagues.

Where was it done?

• Department of Spine Surgery

• Shengli Oilfield Central Hospital

• Dongying, Shandong, China

This is a large hospital setting, not a lab experiment.

When was it published?

• Accepted: July 2018

• Published in a peer-reviewed medical journal

Why does this matter?
Because this was real hospital research on real patients, not a theory or animal-only experiment.

WHAT WAS THIS RESEARCH ABOUT?

This study looked at electrical stimulation therapy for people with:

• Sciatica caused by lumbar disc herniation

• Leg pain coming from nerve compression in the lower back

The researchers wanted to know:

Can electrical stimulation help reduce pain AND reduce harmful oxidative stress in the body?

WHO WAS STUDIED?

• 100 adult patients

• All diagnosed with lumbar disc herniation-induced sciatica

• Ages: 20 to 65

• Men and women

They were randomly split into two groups:

• Control group (50 people): basic treatments only

• Electrical stimulation group (50 people): same basics + EMS

WHICH METHOD WAS USED?

The electrical stimulation group received:

• Electrical muscle stimulation

• Frequency: 35 Hz

• Session length: 30 minutes

• Frequency: Once per day

• Duration: 4 weeks

Electrodes were placed on specific leg muscle motor points, guided by electromyography.

This was structured, controlled, and repeatable.

WHAT DID THE STUDY FIND? (POSITIVE EMS FINDINGS ONLY)

1️⃣ Pain Levels Dropped More With Electrical Stimulation

After 4 weeks:

• Pain scores dropped in both groups

• BUT pain dropped significantly more in the EMS group

Measured using:

• Visual Analog Scale (VAS)

• Pain Rating Index (PRI)

• Present Pain Intensity (PPI)

Example:

• Average VAS pain score dropped to 4.1 in the EMS group

• Compared to 8.9 in the control group

That means less daily leg pain for people using electrical stimulation.

2️⃣ Overall Improvement Was Much Higher With EMS

• 84% of EMS patients showed meaningful improvement

• Compared to 62% in the non-EMS group

This included:

• Better movement

• Less discomfort

• Improved daily activity

3️⃣ Harmful Oxidative Stress Markers Dropped

The study also measured peripheral reactive oxygen species (ROS).

ROS are unstable molecules linked to:

• Tissue stress

• Inflammation

• Poor recovery environments

After treatment:

• ROS levels dropped in both groups

• Dropped much more in the EMS group

This suggests electrical stimulation may help create a more balanced internal environment.

WHY COULD EMS BE HELPFUL?

Based on this study, electrical stimulation may help by:

• Supporting muscle activation around affected nerves

• Encouraging blood flow

• Reducing stress signals in tissues

• Supporting recovery conditions in the body

This study does not claim a cure.
It shows supportive effects observed in real patients.

HOW MIGHT THIS HELP EMS USERS?

For people who:

• Sit for long hours

• Experience nerve-related leg discomfort

• Want non-drug, non-surgical wellness support

This research helps explain why people are curious about EMS as part of their routine.

STUDY INFORMATION

Original Research Title:
Clinical effects of electrical stimulation therapy on lumbar disc herniation-induced sciatica and its influence on peripheral ROS level

Simplified Name:
Can Electrical Stimulation Reduce Sciatic Leg Pain and Oxidative Stress?

Source:
Published in the Journal of Musculoskeletal & Neuronal Interactions, a peer-reviewed medical journal

Peer review means:

• Independent experts checked the work

• Data and methods were reviewed

• The journal specializes in nerve and muscle research

⭐ FEATURED PRODUCT

Featured Product: Original Oriems Ultimate Kit

Enhance your fitness and relaxation routine with EMS technology trusted by over 10,000 Aussies.
Proudly chosen from 68,000+ nominees.
Voted Year’s Best two years in a row (2024 & 2025).

Click above to check availability

Disclaimer:
This product is designed for general wellness and fitness purposes only.
It is not a medical device and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

ABOUT ORIEMS FIT

At Oriems Fit, a 100% Australian Award-Winning Brand, we’re proud to be recognized as YEAR’S BEST for two consecutive years (2024 & 2025), surpassing 68,000+ nominees.

We specialize in Wide-Range Targeted Muscle Stimulators using EMS technology to support:

• Muscle engagement

• Relaxation

• Everyday wellness

No matter your mobility level, nothing should stop you from exploring movement and recovery.

STUDY SUMMARY TABLE

Link to original study: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6146184/

LET’S DISCUSS 💬

Have you ever wondered why electrical stimulation feels different from normal exercise?
Or why some people feel relief while others are just curious?

Leave a comment and join the discussion.

Like this research digest? Share to your friends https://bit.ly/3MGhItw

⚠️ FINAL DISCLAIMER

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

Full disclaimer:
https://oriems.fit/blogs/research-digest/disclaimer