At ORIEMS FIT RESEARCH DIGEST, we’re all about bringing the latest, most fascinating research to you.
In today’s blog, we’re diving into a study that looks at how electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) can optimize muscle performance.
This research is groundbreaking, especially for EMS enthusiasts and anyone curious about how science helps us improve strength and endurance.
(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.)
What Is This Research About?
Original Research Title: Influence of Electromyostimulation Frequency and Muscle Group on Evoked Force and Fatigue
Authors: Palomo J., Rueda J., Menéndez H., and Herrero A.J.
Where Was It Conducted?: European University Miguel de Cervantes, Valladolid, Spain
When?: 2018
This research focuses on understanding how different EMS frequencies (50, 75, and 120 Hz) affect muscle force, fatigue, and recovery in two key muscle groups: the biceps brachialis (BB) and quadriceps (Q).
Why Is This Research Important?
EMS is increasingly popular for building strength and aiding recovery. But not all EMS frequencies work the same.
This study sought to find the best settings for optimizing performance and reducing fatigue, offering valuable insights for EMS users.
Who Were the Participants?
The study involved 34 healthy physical education students.
These participants underwent three EMS sessions, targeting their biceps and quadriceps muscles.
How Was the Study Conducted?
- Participants warmed up before using EMS.
- EMS was applied during three 15-second cycles with a rest period of 75 seconds between cycles.
- Researchers tested muscle performance under different EMS frequencies—50 Hz, 75 Hz, and 120 Hz.
- Muscle fatigue and force were measured using advanced equipment.
What Were the Positive Findings?
General Takeaways
- EMS works differently depending on the muscle group and frequency used.
- Quadriceps (leg muscles) responded better overall compared to the biceps (arm muscles).
Specific Evidence
- At 50 Hz, fatigue was lower, and the muscles performed for a longer duration before tiring.
- For biceps: Torque began decreasing at 8.1 seconds with 50 Hz compared to 6.1 seconds at 75 Hz and 6.2 seconds at 120 Hz.
- For quadriceps: Torque decreased after 10.8 seconds at 75 Hz, compared to only 7.2 seconds at 120 Hz.
- The best EMS settings:
- Biceps: 50 Hz frequency for sustained performance.
- Quadriceps: 75 Hz frequency for maximum strength and endurance.
Why Does This Matter for EMS Users?
If you use EMS devices like ORIEMS FIT, choosing the right settings can significantly enhance results.
- Want stronger arms? Stick to 50 Hz for longer-lasting contractions.
- Need powerful legs? Go for 75 Hz to maximize torque and endurance.
These findings can help you adjust your EMS device to get the most out of your training or recovery sessions.
How Can You Use This Information?
Try experimenting with your EMS device:
- Start with 50 Hz for smaller muscles like your biceps.
- Use 75 Hz for larger muscles like your quadriceps. Keep sessions short and include adequate rest to avoid fatigue.
What Do You Think?
Have you tried different EMS frequencies for your training or recovery? What worked best for you? Share your experiences below!
Final Thoughts
This blog post is part of the ORIEMS FIT RESEARCH DIGEST series. We aim to inspire curiosity and help you discover how cutting-edge research can benefit your health and fitness journey. Share this post with friends or family who might find it useful!
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 FIT Disclaimer.
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