Quick Overview
In a 2016 quasi-randomized controlled trial published in the International Heart Journal, Kitasato University researchers tested one 30-minute EMS session on the thighs and calves of 34 men ~12 days after heart attack.
Only the group receiving EMS with muscle contractions showed clear benefits: vascular endothelial function (RH-PAT index) improved significantly from 1.61 to 1.85 (p<0.05), while peripheral blood circulation (Foot-tcPO₂) rose markedly during and after the session (p<0.01). The sensory-only control group showed no meaningful changes.
The session was safe — systolic blood pressure rose less than 10 mmHg, heart rate stayed stable, and there were no adverse events. Researchers link the improvements to increased shear stress triggering nitric oxide release.
This rigorous, peer-reviewed evidence from a leading Japanese medical university suggests EMS can support better blood flow. Read our full blog post for the complete story and what it means for everyday vascular wellness.
We always provide direct links to the original research at the end of every article so you can review the evidence yourself.
One 30-Minute EMS Session Improved Vascular Endothelial Function and Blood Flow, Study Finds
Picture this. You’ve spent another day at your desk or in the car. By evening your legs feel heavy, your feet are cool to the touch, and you know you should have moved more. We all know that movement helps blood flow, but life doesn’t always make it easy.
What if there was a simple, comfortable way to give your circulation a real boost — without needing to go for a run or even stand up?
A team of cardiologists and rehabilitation researchers in Japan decided to find out. Their findings, published in the respected International Heart Journal, offer some genuinely exciting news about what EMS technology can do for your vascular health.
The Study That Changed How We Think About Circulation
At Kitasato University — one of Japan’s leading medical institutions — scientists worked with 34 men who were recovering from heart attacks.
These were real patients in a hospital setting, around 12–13 days after their event. The researchers wanted to know whether a single session of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (EMS) could improve how well blood vessels function.
They placed electrode pads on the thighs (quadriceps) and calves (gastrocnemius) of both legs. For 30 minutes, one group received EMS strong enough to create clear, comfortable muscle contractions. The other group felt only a gentle tingling sensation with no actual muscle movement.
Then the scientists measured two key things:
- Vascular endothelial function — how well the inner lining of your blood vessels can relax and open when needed. This is one of the most important markers of vascular health.
- Peripheral blood circulation — specifically, how much oxygen was reaching the tissues in the feet.
What Happened Next Was Remarkable
In the group that experienced proper muscle contractions from the EMS, vascular endothelial function improved significantly after just that one 30-minute session. Their feet also showed clearly higher oxygen levels — direct evidence of better peripheral blood circulation.
The group that received only the mild tingling sensation? Almost no change.
Even more reassuring was how gentle it was on the body. Heart rate stayed steady throughout. Blood pressure rose only very slightly — on average less than 10 mmHg. Every single participant completed the session without any problems.
Why EMS Appears to Work So Well for Blood Flow
When muscles contract — whether through walking or through EMS — they act like a natural pump. This increases blood flow velocity and creates gentle shear stress on the walls of your blood vessels. In response, the body releases nitric oxide, a powerful natural compound that tells blood vessels to relax and widen.
The result? Better blood flow, improved delivery of oxygen and nutrients, and healthier endothelial function.
It’s the same beneficial pathway that exercise triggers — but delivered in a passive, controlled, and surprisingly comfortable way.
What This Means for You
While this particular study was conducted on men recovering from heart events, the mechanism it revealed — muscle contractions supporting better vascular endothelial function and peripheral blood circulation — has exciting implications for a much wider group of people.
If you spend long hours sitting, if you want to support healthy circulation as you age, or if you’re looking for an easy way to give your vascular system a helping hand, EMS technology offers something genuinely practical.
One comfortable 30-minute session targeting the large muscles of the lower body was enough to produce measurable improvements in the research. That’s the bright side of modern EMS — it’s not only about strength or recovery. It can also act as a powerful, science-backed ally for your circulation and overall vascular wellness.
Real Science You Can Trust
This wasn’t marketing hype. It was a properly designed clinical study from a major Japanese university, published in a leading international cardiology journal. Japan has a long and distinguished history of excellence in medical research, and this paper reflects that high standard.
When you see claims about EMS and blood flow, it’s worth knowing there is real, peer-reviewed evidence behind the potential benefits.
So the next time you settle in with your EMS device for a session on your legs, remember: you’re not just stimulating muscles. According to the research, you may also be giving your blood vessels a meaningful and measurable reboot.
One session. Real science. Better blood flow potential.
That’s the kind of simple, hopeful news we can all get behind.
Featured Product
ORIEMS FIT ULTIMATE KIT 💪 is a 100% Australian award-winning product.
Voted YEAR’S BEST ⭐ for 2024 and 2025.
It is a wide-range targeted muscle stimulator enhanced with EMS technology, designed to support your fitness and relaxation routine. 🌟
Trusted by more than 10,000 happy users with over 450 five-star Google reviews. 😊
Check availability.
Product Disclaimer:
This product is designed only to support fitness and relaxation routines. It is not a medical device and has not been evaluated or registered by the TGA. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or medical condition. It may not be suitable for everyone. Please consult your doctor or healthcare practitioner before using it.
Like this Research Digest? 📚
Share it with your friends 💬👇https://bit.ly/4gLrc3s
More EMS Research Scientists Are Studying
1. Can EMS reduce fat?
2. Can EMS increase calorie burn while sitting?
3. Can EMS support muscle toning and muscle gains?
4. Can EMS improve athletic training?
5. Can EMS play a role in muscle loss & frailty?
6. Can EMS reduce pain?
7. EMS vs TENS: What are the differences?
Research Summary
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Study Title | A Single Session of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Enhances Vascular Endothelial Function and Peripheral Blood Circulation in Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Quasi-Randomized Controlled Trial |
| Authors | Shinya Tanaka, Takashi Masuda, Kentaro Kamiya, Nobuaki Hamazaki, Ayako Akiyama, Yumi Kamada, Emi Maekawa, Chiharu Noda, Minako Yamaoka-Tojo, Junya Ako |
| Institution | Kitasato University, Sagamihara, Japan (Departments of Cardiovascular Medicine and Rehabilitation) |
| Journal & Publication | International Heart Journal, 2016; Volume 57, Issue 6, Pages 676-681 |
| Study Design | Prospective, open-label, quasi-randomized controlled trial |
| Participants | 34 male patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), alternately assigned into two groups of 17 |
| Timing of Intervention | Approximately 12–13 days after AMI onset, when patients could walk in the hospital ward |
| Intervention | 30-minute NMES session applied to quadriceps and gastrocnemius muscles of both legs using surface electrodes, with intensity sufficient to produce palpable and visible muscle contractions |
| Control Condition | Same NMES setup but at minimum current intensity producing only skin sensation without muscle contraction |
| Primary Outcome | Reactive hyperemia peripheral arterial tonometry (RH-PAT) index, a measure of vascular endothelial function |
| Key Finding – Endothelial Function | RH-PAT index increased significantly only in the muscle contraction group (from 1.61 ± 0.52 to 1.85 ± 0.61, p < 0.05); no significant change in the control group |
| Key Finding – Peripheral Circulation | Transcutaneous oxygen pressure in the foot (Foot-tcPO₂) increased significantly during and after the session in the contraction group (p < 0.01), indicating improved peripheral blood circulation; no meaningful change in controls |
| Safety Outcomes | All patients completed the session without severe adverse events. Systolic blood pressure rose by less than 10 mmHg on average. Heart rate remained stable throughout |
| Proposed Mechanism | NMES-induced muscle contractions increase blood flow velocity and vessel shear stress, promoting nitric oxide release and subsequent vasodilation |
| Original Study Link | https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/ihj/57/6/57_15-493/_article (also registered at UMIN000014196) |
Disclaimer
This article is published for general information and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, health advice, diagnosis, or treatment of any kind.
All content on this website, including any studies, research, or information mentioned, is provided for informational purposes only and does not imply or guarantee any specific health outcomes.
We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected in any way to any researchers, universities, research centres, journals, or institutions referenced in any article. No reference to any study, researcher, or publication should be interpreted as an endorsement or recommendation of any products sold or featured on this website.
Our products (and any products featured or linked in this article) are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, prevent, or manage any disease or medical condition. Individual results may vary significantly. No guarantees or warranties are made regarding effectiveness, safety, or specific outcomes.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any product mentioned on this website or making any changes to your health routine, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition, are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a pacemaker, or are taking medication.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, ORIEMS FIT, its directors, employees, authors, affiliates, and agents disclaim all liability for any loss, damage, cost, expense, or injury (whether direct, indirect, consequential, special, or incidental) arising from the use of, or reliance upon, any information in this article or from the purchase or use of any products featured or sold on this website.
© [ORIEMS FIT] – All Rights Reserved.
