Welcome to another edition of the ORIEMS FIT Research Digest, where we simplify complex studies to make cutting-edge research accessible to everyone.

Today, we bring you a fascinating study from Lithuania that explores how Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) can improve running performance and muscle strength.

(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.)

Research Article Name:

Effect of Electrical Myostimulation on the Function of Lower Leg Muscles

Authors: Viktoras Silinskas, Albinas Grūnovas, Jurate Stanislovaitiene, Alfonsas Buliuolis, Eugenijus Trinkunas, and Jonas Poderys

Who Did This Research and When?

This study was conducted in 2017 by researchers at the Lithuanian Sports University in Kaunas, Lithuania.

The Lithuanian Sports University is a respected institution specializing in sports science and innovation, particularly for athletes.

The research followed ethical guidelines approved by the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences.

What Was This Research About?

The study aimed to see if EMS could:

1. Improve calf and sole muscle strength.
2. Enhance 10-meter sprint performance for athletes.

The researchers wanted to determine whether EMS could supplement regular training to achieve better results in strength and speed.

Who Participated in the Study?

Two groups of participants were included:

• Physically active adults (Control Group): 10 individuals aged 20–22, not involved in sports training.
• National-level sprinters (Experimental Group): 10 athletes aged 20–22, with 6–8 years of training experience.

What Methods Did They Use?

• EMS Training:

  • EMS was applied to the calf and sole muscles.
  • Training included 10-second stimulation cycles followed by 50 seconds of rest, repeated 10 times per session.
  • Participants underwent 10 EMS sessions over 3 weeks.

• Tests Conducted:

  • Maximal Voluntary Contraction (MVC): To measure muscle strength.
  • 10-Meter Sprint Test: To assess running speed with standing and running starts.

What Did They Find?

1. EMS Boosted Muscle Strength

• The right leg's MVC improved by 6.0%, increasing from 830 N to 878 N after 3 weeks of EMS training.

2. Sprinting Speed Improved

• 10-meter sprint (standing start): Improved by 1.7%, with times reduced from 1.72 seconds to 1.69 seconds.
• 10-meter sprint (running start): Improved by 1.7%, with times reduced from 1.17 seconds to 1.15 seconds.

3. Blood Flow and Oxygenation Increased During EMS

• EMS improved blood flow and oxygen delivery to the muscles during sessions, aiding recovery and reducing fatigue.

Why Does This Matter?

This study shows that EMS is a powerful tool to enhance performance, especially for athletes looking to improve their strength and sprinting speed.

Even non-athletes can use EMS to maintain or improve their muscle function without relying solely on traditional exercise.

How Can This Help EMS Device Users?

If you use an EMS device like ORIEMS FIT, you can:

• Boost Strength Faster: EMS stimulates muscles in ways traditional exercises can't.
• Enhance Performance: Regular EMS sessions can improve speed and agility.
• Recover Better: EMS promotes better blood flow and oxygenation, reducing muscle soreness.

Research Paper Simplified Name:

How EMS Improves Running Performance

Link to Study: Effect of Electrical Myostimulation on the Function of Lower Leg Muscles

This link leads to the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, a trusted source for high-quality sports science research.

What Do You Think?

Would you try EMS to boost your running speed?
What’s your experience with EMS for training or recovery?

We’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your experiences in the comments below.

Join the Conversation

This blog is part of the ORIEMS FIT Research Digest, where we share science-backed insights to inspire your fitness journey. Share this post with friends and family who might benefit, and let’s grow a community of curious learners together!

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 our full disclaimer, visit: ORIEMS FIT Disclaimer.