"Can EMS Help You Balance Better? Here's What Science Found!"

Welcome back to the ORIEMS FIT Research Digest, your go-to source for fascinating and easy-to-read summaries of the latest studies in health and technology. Today, we’re looking at how EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) might help improve your balance and posture. Let’s dive in!

What’s This Research About?

Original Title: Induced Effects of Electrical Muscle Stimulation and Visual Stimulation on Sensory Reweighting Dynamics During Standing on a Balance Board
Authors: Masato Shindo, Takashi Isezaki, Yukio Koike, Ryosuke Aoki

Where Was This Study Conducted?
This study was carried out at the NTT Human Informatics Laboratories in Japan, a world-renowned research center focusing on cutting-edge human performance technologies.

When Was This Research Done?
It was conducted in January 2022 and published in May 2023.

Funding and Independence:
This study was performed independently without external funding, ensuring high reliability and unbiased results.

What Did They Study?

The researchers tested how EMS compares to visual cues for improving balance. They wanted to understand how EMS helps muscles stabilize movements when people are standing on an unstable surface (a balance board).

Who Participated?

The study involved 20 healthy adults with an average age of 33 years. Participants were divided into two groups:

• EMS Group: Received EMS on their leg muscles to help them adjust balance.
• Visual Cues Group: Watched instructions on a screen for guidance.

How Did They Test It?

1. The Task: Participants stood on one leg on a tilting balance board and tried to keep it level.
2. EMS Application: EMS signals were sent to the tibialis anterior and soleus muscles in their legs, helping control the board tilt.
3. Measurements: Researchers tracked the participants’ balance sway, muscle activation, and postural adjustments before, during, and after the stimulation.

What Did They Find?

1. EMS Improved Balance:

• Participants in the EMS group reduced their sway on the balance board by 14.7% during the test.
• EMS helped stabilize the board significantly better than visual cues.

2. Increased Muscle Efficiency:

• EMS increased the activity of targeted muscles (up to 30% higher activation) while reducing unnecessary muscle tension.
• Participants were able to activate their stabilizing muscles 20% faster during balance challenges.

3. Improved Posture Control:

• The EMS group showed a 23% greater reliance on visual feedback to maintain balance, indicating better adaptation and control compared to the visual cues group.

Key Numbers and Specific Findings

• Balance Board Sway Reduction: EMS participants reduced their sway from 5.4 cm to 4.6 cm on average, while the visual cues group showed no significant improvement.
• Muscle Response Time: EMS reduced the time it took for muscles to respond to balance shifts by 15 milliseconds.
• Improved Postural Stability: EMS improved participants' ability to hold a steady posture by 12.5%, as measured by reduced sway in a single-leg stance.

Why Is This Important?

For people who struggle with balance—whether due to age, injury, or recovery—EMS offers a gentle yet effective way to train the body. Unlike visual instructions, EMS directly stimulates muscles, helping them respond faster and more efficiently to challenges.

How Could This Help EMS Users?

If you’re using EMS devices at home, this study shows how they can:

• Enhance your balance by training your stabilizing muscles.
• Reduce muscle response times, making everyday movements safer and steadier.
• Help you practice better posture with less effort.

Where Can You Read More?

You can access the full study here. This research, published in PLOS ONE, is part of a trusted scientific journal known for its rigorous standards and detailed methodology.

About ORIEMS FIT Research Digest
At ORIEMS FIT, we believe knowledge is power. That’s why we simplify complex research to help you stay informed and inspired. Check out our other blog posts at ORIEMS FIT Research Digest.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational and recreational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment. For full details, visit our disclaimer.