Welcome to another insightful edition of ORIEMS FIT Research Digest, where we bring you the latest fascinating research to spark curiosity and deepen understanding of fitness and wellness technologies.
Today, weβre diving into groundbreaking findings from a study on Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) combined with exercise for the elderly, shedding light on how short-term interventions can make a big impact.
(Scroll to the end of each post to find a link to the original study, often with full PDFsβperfect for building your research collection.)
About the Research
Research Article Name: Effects of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Combined with Exercises versus an Exercise Program on the Physical Characteristics and Functions of the Elderly: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Authors: Eun Mi Jang and So Hyun Park
When and Where: Conducted in South Korea, this research comes from Youngsan University, a prestigious institution dedicated to advancing physical therapy and elderly care.
Funding: The study was supported by Korea's National Research Foundation, ensuring credibility and scientific rigor.
What Was This Research About?
This study examined how combining NMES with low-intensity exercises could benefit elderly women by improving their balance and reducing fall risks.
For just 4 weeks, researchers explored how electrical stimulation boosts physical functions compared to exercise alone.
Who Participated in the Study?
The research involved 27 women aged 65 or older, living independently, and free of major health conditions that could interfere with exercise or NMES treatments.
Methods Used
Participants were divided into three groups:
- Control Group (No exercise or NMES).
- Exercise Group (Low-intensity exercises only).
- NMES + Exercise Group (NMES applied during exercises).
The NMES sessions used frequencies of 35 Hz to stimulate muscles gently and painlessly.
Key Findings: Why EMS is a Game-Changer
1. Improved Balance and Mobility
- Timed Up-and-Go Test (TUG): The NMES + Exercise group reduced their time from 12.60 seconds to 9.88 secondsβa clear sign of better balance and mobility.
- Y-Balance Test (YBT): Participants improved from 62.93 cm to 91.30 cm, showing remarkable enhancements in dynamic balance.
2. Stronger Lower Body
- Calf circumferences increased significantly in both the exercise and NMES + exercise groups, indicating muscle strengthening.
3. Faster Functional Gains
- While 4 weeks is short, the NMES + Exercise group showed greater improvements in balance and strength than the exercise-only group.
Why Is This Important?
For EMS Device Users: If youβre using EMS devices like Oriems Fit, this study confirms how combining them with exercise can fast-track your progress toward improved balance and muscle strength.
For Fall Prevention: Older adults often struggle with maintaining balance, leading to falls. Adding EMS to exercises can act as a safety net, enhancing stability in just a few weeks.
Link to Study
For those interested in diving deeper, read the original research here: Effects of NMES Combined with Exercise.
Explore how EMS is being studied for strength, recovery, mobility & more! See Global Research by Top Scientists, ClickΒ HereΒ
Share Your Thoughts!
What do you think about the idea of using EMS for faster improvements in balance and strength?
Would you try combining it with your current fitness routine? Let us know in the comments!
About ORIEMS FIT Research Digest:
Our mission is to inspire curiosity and provide accessible insights into the latest research on fitness and wellness technologies. Stay tuned for more, and donβt forget to share this post with friends or family who might benefit.
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 ORIEMS FIT Disclaimer.
