Can EMS Help You Feel Better Faster? Here’s What Science Says!
Welcome to another edition of ORIEMS FIT Research Digest, where we bring exciting research to light to inspire your curiosity about wellness and new technologies. Today’s blog is about a fascinating study on Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) and how it could support people who have been through challenging heart health issues. Remember, we don’t give medical advice—just interesting information to get you thinking!
What’s the Research About?
Title of the Study: In-hospital electrical muscle stimulation for patients early after heart failure decompensation: results from a prospective randomised controlled pilot trial.
Authors: Maria Poltavskaya and team.
Where Was It Done?
This research was carried out at the Cardiology Department of Moscow City Hospital No. 7, now named after S.S. Yudin, in Moscow, Russia. It was supported by top scientists from the Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University and other world-class institutes.
When?
The study took place over two years, with the results published in 2022.
Why Trust This Study?
This research was funded by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education in Russia, ensuring thorough and independent work. It also followed strict ethics guidelines to ensure accuracy and fairness.
What Did They Study?
The researchers wanted to see if EMS could improve the strength, mobility, and quality of life (QoL) for people recovering from a heart problem called “heart failure decompensation.” They wondered if EMS could be a gentle way to help people get stronger when traditional exercise is too hard.
Who Was Involved?
The study included 45 hospital patients aged 66 on average, with both men and women participating. All of them had heart conditions that made regular exercise nearly impossible.
How Did They Do It?
Patients were split into two groups:
- EMS Group: 22 people used EMS devices to stimulate leg muscles, with sessions lasting between 30 to 90 minutes over 7–10 days.
- Sham Group: 23 people got fake stimulations to compare the effects.
What Did They Find?
Here’s the exciting part! After just a short time using EMS:
- Walking Distance Improved: Patients could walk 299.5 meters compared to 206.1 meters before EMS. That’s almost 100 meters farther!
- Daily Activity Got Easier: Scores on a test called the Duke Activity Status Index went up from 12.1 to 18.3.
- Quality of Life (QoL) Increased: Scores on a life-quality questionnaire improved from 55.6 to 34.2, meaning people felt much better overall.
These results lasted even one month after leaving the hospital.
Why This Matters
If you’re someone who struggles with pain, limited movement, or recovery challenges, EMS could provide a gentle way to start feeling better. It’s like giving your muscles a head start on getting stronger before trying bigger exercises.
How Can This Help EMS Device Users?
For anyone using EMS devices, this research shows that even short sessions can lead to real improvements. While the study focused on heart patients, the idea of using EMS as a bridge to more activity might apply to anyone needing a gentle boost.
Where Can You Read More?
Find the full study here. This is a trustworthy source hosted by BMJ, a leading publisher of health research.
ORIEMS FIT Research Digest is here to spark your interest in wellness. We hope this inspires you to explore EMS technology and learn more about how it can fit into your lifestyle. Want to dig deeper? Start your own research journey today!
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 on our disclaimer, visit here.
