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Can Electrical Stimulation Replace Exercise? A New Study from Sweden Reveals the Truth

Welcome to ORIEMS FIT Research Digest, where we break down fascinating health studies! This time, we’re diving into a study on Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (a niche of EMS)—a potential game-changer for those who can’t exercise as much as they’d like.

We share this research to spark curiosity and show how EMS supports muscle health—in a fun and easy way! 


Research Paper Name:
"The Effect of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Human Skeletal Muscle"

Authors:
Johanna Flodin, Stefan Reitzner, Eric Emanuelsson, Carl-Johan Sundberg, Paul Ackermann

Who Did the Study and When?
This study was carried out by researchers at the prestigious Karolinska Institutet in Sweden, a world-famous medical university known for its groundbreaking research. It was published in 2024.

Who Funded the Research?
The study received funding from recognized organizations, ensuring that the research was conducted with high standards.


What Is This Study About?
The researchers wanted to find out how Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation affects muscles at the molecular level. They compared what happens in muscles when you do a regular workout versus using Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation for 30 minutes.

Who Was Studied?
Thirty healthy adults participated. They all had their leg muscles tested to see how Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation affected them compared to traditional exercise.

How Did They Do the Study?
The team used special pants equipped with Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation electrodes to stimulate the leg muscles. Muscle samples were taken before and three hours after the session to measure changes in gene activity.


What Did They Find?
Here’s the exciting part: Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulationactivated over 4,000 genes in the muscles, many of which were the same as those activated by traditional exercise! Some highlights include:

  • Improved blood flow and muscle repair.
  • Activation of genes like PPARGC1A, which helps muscles produce energy.
  • Specific benefits for the nervous system not seen with regular exercise.

This suggests that Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation can mimic some effects of exercise, making it a helpful tool for people who can't work out regularly.

Key Data from the Study:

  • Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation activated 4448 genes, while traditional exercise activated 2571 genes.
  • About 80% of the changes overlapped, meaning Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation closely resembles exercise at a genetic level.
  • Discomfort from Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation was minimal, rated under 4 on a scale of 10.

Why Could Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Be Helpful?
If you're recovering from an injury or can't move around much, Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation might help keep your muscles strong. It works by stimulating your muscles to contract, just like during a workout, but without needing to move.

How This Study Helps Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Users
This study shows that even a single Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation session can support muscle health. For regular users of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation devices, this could mean better muscle maintenance, especially during periods of low activity.


Interested in the Research?
You can read the full study here: Original Research Link. It’s published on PubMed a trusted journal that shares quality, peer-reviewed studies. 

To find orginal study. Click [Here]


About ORIEMS FIT Research Digest
At ORIEMS FIT, we’re passionate about sharing exciting research like this. Our blog is here to spark your curiosity and encourage you to explore more about health and wellness.

Disclaimer:
This blog post is for informational and recreational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before trying anything new. Full Disclaimer

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