Introduction – Why We’re Sharing This Study

This article is part of the ORIEMS FIT Research Digest series.

In this series, we share real scientific research about electrical muscle stimulation (EMS / NMES) in simple language, so anyone can understand it — whether you’re 14 or 70.

At the end of every article, we link the original research paper so readers can:

• Check the facts

• Download the full PDF

• Start their own research journey

If you prefer original data over summaries, you can always skip our explanation and read the study directly.

Our mission is simple:
inspire curiosity, self-learning, and evidence-based thinking.

What Question Did This Research Try to Answer?

Can neuromuscular electrical stimulation help shoulder muscles move better when nerve damage causes long-term weakness?

Who Did This Research — and Where?

This study was conducted by physical therapists and neuroscientists from:

• University of Alberta

• Cross Cancer Institute

• Alberta Health Services

• Human Neurophysiology Laboratory (Canada)

📍 Country: Canada
📍 Published in: Physiotherapy Canada (peer-reviewed medical rehabilitation journal)

These institutions are public, government-funded, and specialize in rehabilitation science and neuromuscular research, not product marketing.

What Was This Study About?

Some people develop long-term shoulder weakness after neck surgery because a key nerve — the spinal accessory nerve — is damaged.

Even when the nerve starts working again, the trapezius shoulder muscle may stay weak, stiff, and difficult to control.

This study tested whether a specific form of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) combined with gentle exercises could help restore shoulder movement and control.

Who Was Studied?

• 3 adult cancer survivors

• All had chronic shoulder muscle weakness

• All were 18–30 months post-surgery

• All had already tried regular physiotherapy

• Nerve signals had returned — but muscle function had not

This means improvements were unlikely to happen naturally without new intervention.

What Method Was Used?

Participants completed a 6-week program:

• NMES applied directly over the shoulder nerve

• 30–60 minutes per session

• 3 sessions per week

• Combined with bilateral shoulder exercises

• NMES used wide pulse widths (1 ms) and high frequencies (up to 100 Hz)
  (very different from typical low-intensity stimulation)

This setup was designed to:

• Activate muscle

• Stimulate the nervous system

• Improve brain-to-muscle communication

What Did the Researchers Find? (Positive EMS-Related Results Only)

✅ Shoulder Movement Increased in All Participants

After 6 weeks:

• Shoulder flexion improved by up to 25 degrees

• Shoulder abduction improved by up to 25 degrees

• These changes exceeded clinically meaningful thresholds

This means the improvements were large enough to matter in real life, not just on paper.

✅ Movement Improved Even When Pain Changes Were Small

Pain scores changed modestly, but:

• Range of motion improved clearly

• Daily function improved

• Quality-of-life scores increased

This shows something important:

Better movement can return before pain fully settles.

✅ Muscle Activation Was Measurably Impaired — and Targeted

Before treatment:

• Shoulder muscle nerve signals were 52–73% weaker on the affected side

After the program:

• Muscle control improved

• Shoulder mechanics improved

• Scapular stability improved

Why Could EMS Be Helpful Here?

Researchers explain that long-term weakness is not just a muscle issue.

It also involves:

• Reduced brain-to-muscle signaling

• Nervous system “disconnect”

• Muscle atrophy from disuse

This form of NMES:

• Activates muscle and nervous system

• Sends strong sensory signals to the brain

• Encourages neural re-engagement

How Might This Help EMS Users?

This research suggests EMS may help:

• Support shoulder movement recovery

• Improve muscle engagement when exercise alone stalls

• Assist people with long-term stiffness or weakness

• Improve function even when pain reduction is slow

It also explains why some people feel looser before pain fades.

Study Information

Original Research Title:
Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation and Exercise for Reducing Trapezius Muscle Dysfunction in Survivors of Head and Neck Cancer

Simplified Name:
Can EMS Help Weak Shoulder Muscles Move Again?

Original Source:
Physiotherapy Canada – a peer-reviewed rehabilitation journal published by a national professional body

Source:
Physiotherapy Canada — peer-reviewed academic journal
Link to original study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23729969/

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Let’s Talk

Did you expect movement to improve before pain?

Leave a comment and share your thoughts — especially if you’ve experienced stiffness that eased before pain disappeared.

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Mandatory Disclaimer

This blog post is for informational and recreational purposes only.
It 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