Welcome to the ORIEMS FIT Research Digest, where we bring fascinating, science-backed insights to help you unlock the full potential of your fitness journey.

Today, we explore groundbreaking research from Lithuania that shows how Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) can restore muscle work capacity faster than traditional rest methods.

(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:

Restoration of the Work Capacity of the Skeletal Muscle with Electrical Myostimulation

Authors: Raimundas Kibiša, Albinas Grūnovas, Jonas Poderys, and Danguolė Grūnovienė

Who Did This Research and When?

This research was conducted in 2013 by scientists at the Lithuanian Academy of Physical Education and Kaunas College in Kaunas, Lithuania.

These institutions are known for their excellence in sports science and kinesiology research.

The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Kaunas University of Medicine, ensuring credibility and adherence to research ethics.

What Was This Research About?

The goal was to compare the effectiveness of mild EMS versus passive rest (PR) in helping athletes recover the work capacity (WC) of their muscles after intense exercise.

The researchers focused on:

• Improving muscle strength and endurance.
• Enhancing blood circulation in the legs.
• Reducing post-exercise fatigue for better recovery.

Who Participated in This Study?

Nineteen long-distance runners with an average age of 21 participated. These athletes were accustomed to endurance training and ran for 1.5 hours as part of the study.

What Methods Did They Use?

Participants were divided into two groups:

1. EMS Group: Received 10 minutes of EMS applied to their calf muscles after exercise.
2. Control Group (PR): Rested passively for 15 minutes after exercise.

Key recovery metrics were measured:

• Maximal Voluntary Contraction (MVC): To check muscle strength.
• Work Capacity (WC): Calculated based on the physical work performed.
• Blood Flow: Assessed using advanced plethysmography techniques.

What Were the Findings?

1. Faster Muscle Recovery with EMS

• EMS significantly increased muscle work capacity (WC) by 905.6 J after 18 hours, compared to 884.0 J for the passive rest group.
• This represents a 2.4% higher recovery for the EMS group.

2. Improved Blood Circulation

• EMS enhanced venous blood flow to 0.91 ml per 100 ml tissue compared to 0.61 ml in the PR group.
• This improved circulation helps remove waste products and deliver nutrients faster, aiding recovery.

3. Boost in Muscle Strength

• Athletes in the EMS group restored their maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) faster than the PR group, showing improved strength recovery.

Why Does This Matter?

EMS can help athletes:

• Recover faster after strenuous training.
• Restore muscle capacity for better performance in the next session.
• Improve blood circulation, reducing soreness and fatigue.

How Can This Help EMS Device Users?

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

1. Speed Up Recovery: Use EMS for 10 minutes after intense workouts to enhance blood flow and muscle function.
2. Reduce Fatigue: Recover faster for back-to-back training days or competitions.
3. Personalize Settings: Use EMS frequencies between 20–120 Hz for optimal results, as highlighted by the research.

Research Paper Simplified Name:

Faster Muscle Recovery with EMS: Insights from Lithuania

Link to Study: Restoration of the Work Capacity of the Skeletal Muscle with Electrical Myostimulation

This link is from a trusted source, the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, a prestigious platform for sports science studies.

What Do You Think?

Have you tried EMS for recovery? What results did you experience?
Would you consider using EMS to recover faster after workouts?

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

Join the Conversation

This post is part of the ORIEMS FIT Research Digest, where we share easy-to-understand, science-backed insights. Our mission is to inspire curiosity and help you explore new ways to improve your fitness.

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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 our full disclaimer, visit: ORIEMS FIT Disclaimer.

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