ORIEMS FIT RESEARCH DIGEST: A Fresh Look at Innovative Research

Welcome back to ORIEMS FIT Research Digest, where we simplify scientific breakthroughs to spark curiosity and self-learning.

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. 

Today, we're looking at a fascinating study on Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) and its effects on frail older adults with heart issues.

This research could inspire new ways to boost health and recovery without intense exercise. Let's dive in!

What Did This Study Investigate?

The study is titled "Efficacy and Safety of Acute Phase Intensive Electrical Muscle Stimulation in Frail Older Patients with Acute Heart Failure: Results from the ACTIVE-EMS Trial."

It was conducted by a team of researchers from Japan, including scientists from Nagoya University Hospital, Kitasato University, and Juntendo University.

This study was carried out in 2022 with support from prominent Japanese medical institutions.

The researchers aimed to discover whether EMS could help older adults, specifically those aged 75 and over, who were frail and dealing with acute heart failure.

Why Was This Study Conducted?

Older adults with heart failure often face challenges that make traditional exercise very difficult, like muscle weakness, fatigue, and breathing difficulties.

This study wanted to find out if EMS, a technology that helps muscles contract without exercise effort, could make a real difference for these individuals, especially during the early phases of their hospital treatment.

How Was EMS Used in This Study?

The researchers used a device to apply EMS to different leg muscles, including the quadriceps and hamstrings.

For two weeks, the EMS was used for about 30-40 minutes a day, five days a week.

This was combined with light rehabilitation activities such as getting out of bed, standing up, and walking around the hospital.

What Did They Find Out?

The results were very promising! Here are some key findings that could make EMS an exciting option for helping frail older people:

• Greater Muscle Strength: The EMS group showed a significant increase in quadriceps muscle strength compared to those who only received light rehabilitation. Specifically, quadriceps strength improved by 5.2% of body weight (%BW) in the EMS group, compared to a negligible change in the control group. This increase was measured over the course of two weeks, showing a rapid improvement in muscle strength.

• Improved Physical Ability: People in the EMS group also scored better on the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), which measures balance, walking speed, and strength. The EMS group experienced an average increase of 2.3 points in their SPPB score compared to the control group, indicating significantly better functional mobility after just two weeks of treatment.

• Safe to Use: Importantly, there were no adverse effects related to EMS. Throughout the intervention, which lasted an average of 9.1 days in the EMS group, there were no incidents of worsening heart failure or other complications, proving EMS to be a safe addition to rehabilitation routines.

Specific Numbers:

• Quadriceps Strength: The EMS group experienced a 5.2% increase in quadriceps strength (%BW) compared to the control group (p = 0.013).

• SPPB Score: The EMS group showed an increase of 2.3 points in the SPPB score compared to the control group (p = 0.013).

• Number of Sessions: Patients in the EMS group completed an average of 7.8 sessions over the course of two weeks, each lasting between 30-40 minutes.

• No Adverse Events: There were no reports of adverse events in the EMS group during the 9.1 days of average intervention, highlighting the safety of EMS in this population.

How Could This Help People Using EMS Devices?

For those using EMS devices like Oriems Fit, these findings suggest that EMS might be a great way to help build and maintain muscle strength, even if you're facing health challenges that limit your ability to exercise.

It could be particularly useful for those recovering from hospital stays or who are worried about losing mobility as they age.

Why Is This Study Important for You?

This study shows that EMS is more than just a fitness tool—it's a potential game-changer for improving health and strength, especially for older people who find regular exercise too difficult. Imagine a way to get stronger muscles and better movement without having to do challenging workouts every day!

Want to Learn More?

This research was conducted by respected universities and was published in the Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease. You can find the original study here.

Are You Inspired?

Do you think EMS could be helpful for you or someone you know?

How do you feel about using technology to help your health? We'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences—share them in the comments below!

ORIEMS FIT RESEARCH DIGEST is all about bringing you the most interesting and useful research to inspire your own journey of health discovery.

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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.