Welcome to another edition of the Oriems Fit Research Digest!

In this post, we’re diving into a fascinating study that compares different forms of Electrical Stimulation (ES) and their ability to reduce pain and improve function. This blog will explain the findings in a simple Q&A format, making it easy for everyone—whether you're 14 or 70 years old—to understand.

(Scroll to the end of each post to find a link to the original study, often with full PDFs—perfect for building your research collection.)

This post is not about medical advice but about inspiring curiosity in science and how it may enhance health. Let’s explore this intriguing research!

What is the name of the research? Who conducted it?

The study is titled "Do Electrical Stimulation Devices Reduce Pain and Improve Function?—A Comparative Review."

It was conducted by researchers Christian B. Allen, Tyler K. Williamson, Stephen M. Norwood, and Ashim Gupta, affiliated with institutions in Texas, USA, and India, including the University of the Incarnate Word and Future Biologics.

Why did they study Electrical Stimulation (ES)?

Chronic pain affects millions of people worldwide and can significantly reduce quality of life and productivity.

Researchers wanted to evaluate how different forms of ES might help improve physical function and reduce reliance on medications.

What types of Electrical Stimulation (ES) did they review?

The study reviewed several ES types, including:

• Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES): Used for rehabilitation in spinal cord injuries and stroke.
• Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES): Helpful for stroke recovery and foot drop.
• H-Wave Device Stimulation (HWDS): Promising for pain and function improvements.
• Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS): Common for chronic pain but less effective.

What were the findings with evidence?

1. Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES):

• Who it helped: Stroke survivors, spinal cord injury (SCI) patients, and children with cerebral palsy.
• What improved: Muscle strength, motor function, and gross movement.
• Specific Evidence:
  • A meta-analysis on cerebral palsy found that NMES improved motor functions like standing and sitting by 15-20%.
  • Hospitalized patients with advanced diseases showed a 12% increase in muscle strength when NMES was added to their therapy.

2. Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES):

• Who it helped: Stroke patients, SCI outpatients, and individuals with foot drop (difficulty lifting the front part of the foot).
• What improved: Walking speed, muscle activation, and quality of life.
• Specific Evidence:
  • A study on foot drop rehabilitation showed that FES users increased walking speed by 25% compared to those using ankle-foot orthoses.
  • Stroke patients experienced a 2x higher improvement in quality of life measures when FES was combined with therapy versus stretching alone.

3. H-Wave Device Stimulation (HWDS):

• Who it helped: People with acute and chronic pain, including first responders and workers with end-stage chronic pain.
• What improved: Pain reduction, functional ability, and decreased medication use.
• Specific Evidence:
  • Chronic pain patients reported a 32% reduction in pain scores and a 20% decrease in medication use after regular HWDS sessions.
  • First responders showed a 15% improvement in job performance and a 20% increase in mobility.

4. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS):

• Who it helped: Patients with mild chronic pain conditions.
• What improved: Pain relief in some post-surgical cases.
• Specific Evidence:
  • A systematic review found that TENS reduced pain by less than 1 point on a 10-point scale.
  • However, post-knee surgery patients using TENS required 10% less narcotic medication within the first 24 hours.

What does this mean for EMS device users?

If you use an EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) device, this study highlights:

• The potential for improved muscle strength and rehabilitation after injury.
• Evidence supporting non-invasive methods like HWDS for chronic pain management.

Why is this research trustworthy?

The study was published in a peer-reviewed journal and involved a comprehensive review of studies conducted between 2000 and 2023.

The research team used data from reliable databases like PubMed and the Cochrane Library.

Where can you find the full study?

• Original Title: "Do Electrical Stimulation Devices Reduce Pain and Improve Function?—A Comparative Review"
• Link to Study: Read the full article here

What do you think? Does this research inspire you to explore EMS for recovery or pain relief?

Have you used an EMS device before?

Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!

About Oriems Fit Research Digest:
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This blog is for informational and recreational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment. Read our full disclaimer here.