Welcome to another edition of the ORIEMS FIT Research Digest series! We bring you the latest, most intriguing research to inspire curiosity and help you understand how modern technologies can improve lives.

Today’s blog explores a groundbreaking study from South Korea that demonstrates the power of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES - a niche of EMS) in rehabilitation after knee surgery.

(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 Title

"Effects of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation and Blood Flow Restriction in Rehabilitation after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction"

Who Did This Research and When?

• Authors: Doo-Hwan Kong, Won-Sang Jung, Sang-Jin Yang, Jin-Goo Kim, Hun-Young Park, Jisu Kim
• Country: South Korea
• Institution: Conducted at Konkuk University and Myong-Ji Hospital, South Korea.
• Prestige: Konkuk University is known for its excellence in sports medicine and rehabilitation research, making this study highly reliable.

What Is This Research About?

This study investigates how NMES and blood flow restriction (BFR) therapy can improve muscle strength, balance, and recovery for patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR)—a common knee surgery.

The research compares traditional rehabilitation exercises with those enhanced by NMES and BFR.

Who Were the Participants?

• Participants: 45 individuals (34 men and 11 women) aged around 28.
• Groups: Divided into three groups—one undergoing traditional exercises, one with NMES, and one with BFR.
• Duration: Rehabilitation lasted for 12 weeks with three sessions per week.

Key Findings

1. General Benefits of NMES in Recovery

The study found that NMES improves muscle strength and endurance more effectively than traditional rehabilitation alone.

It also enhances balance, which is crucial for preventing re-injury after ACL surgery.

2. Specific Evidence Supporting NMES

Here are the numbers that back up the findings:

• Thigh Circumference: Patients using NMES had a significant increase in thigh size, especially 15 cm above the knee joint (p = 0.007). This indicates better muscle growth compared to the control group.
• Muscle Strength:
  • Quadriceps: Strength increased by 30% (p < 0.001) in patients using NMES.
  • Hamstrings: Strength also improved significantly, showing a 20% increase (p < 0.001).
• Balance Tests: NMES users scored significantly better in balance tests like the Y-Balance Test for anterior and posterior movements (p < 0.01).

Why Does This Matter for EMS Users?

For anyone using an EMS device like ORIEMS FIT, these findings are exciting. They highlight how EMS can:

• Help rebuild muscle after injury or surgery.
• Enhance balance, reducing the risk of falls or re-injury.
• Support quicker and more effective recovery, even for individuals with limited mobility.

How Could This Research Benefit You?

If you’ve had surgery or struggle with knee pain, adding EMS to your rehabilitation routine could speed up your recovery and help you regain strength more effectively. It’s also great for fitness enthusiasts looking for low-impact ways to boost their performance.

Read the Research

• Original Title: Effects of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation and Blood Flow Restriction in Rehabilitation after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
• Simplified Title: How NMES Can Help You Recover Faster After ACL Surgery
• Link to Study: Access the full research here

This study is published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, a trusted source of peer-reviewed research.

What Do You Think?

Would you try EMS for recovery? Have you or someone you know experienced the benefits of NMES? Let us know in the comments! Your insights could help others learn about the potential of this technology.

More About Osteoarthritis Hub:

• How Electrical Stimulation Improves Walking, Climbing, and Joint Stability in Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis? UK Research Reveals. Click Here
  
• How Electrical Stimulation May Help Strengthen Muscles After Knee Surgery? – Insight from Irish Research. Click Here.
• Can Electromagnetic Fields Help with Osteoarthritis? The study looked at 636 adults with osteoarthritis. Click Here 

About ORIEMS FIT Research Digest

We’re on a mission to simplify science and inspire curiosity. Our blog dives into research that empowers you to explore innovative health solutions. If you found this post helpful, share it with your friends and family—or save it for later reference!

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 ORIEMS Disclaimer.