This article is part of the ORIEMS FIT RESEARCH DIGEST series.
In this series, we share interesting scientific research and explain it in very simple language.
Our goal is to spark curiosity, not to give medical advice.
At the end of every post, you’ll find links to the original research paper.
If you love facts, data, and original sources, you can explore them yourself.
How to Read This Blog
This article is a simplified educational summary of a scientific research paper.
It helps everyday readers understand what researchers studied and observed.
This blog post is not a replacement for the original research paper.
Important details and full scientific context exist only in the original publication.
Readers who want full accuracy should always read the original study directly.
Research Details (Q&A)
Who did this research, and when?
This research was published in 2019 by scientists from:
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University of Valencia (Spain)
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University of Salerno (Italy)
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Queen Mary University of London (UK)
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Keele University (UK)
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University of Verona (Italy)
These universities are well-known in physiology, sports science, and muscle research.
Who funded the research?
The work was supported by European university research grants, not by device companies.
What was this research about?
The researchers studied Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES).
They explored whether electrically triggered muscle contractions can create exercise-like signals inside the body — even when people cannot exercise normally.
Why is this interesting?
Because muscles do more than move the body.
When muscles contract, they release tiny chemical messengers called myokines.
These messengers communicate with the brain, blood vessels, fat tissue, bones, and immune system.
Exercise normally triggers this process.
The question was: can electrical muscle stimulation do something similar?
What Did the Researchers Observe?
Across many human and animal studies reviewed:
1. Muscles released myokines during electrical stimulation
Electrical muscle stimulation caused muscles to release myokines such as:
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IL-6 (linked to metabolism and inflammation balance)
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BDNF (linked to brain health and nerve support)
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IGF-1 & growth-related signals (linked to muscle maintenance)
These signals normally increase during real exercise.
2. Some myokine levels increased within 30 minutes
In several studies, 30 minutes of stimulation was enough to measure changes in blood markers.
3. Brain-related signals increased
One study showed BDNF levels increased from ~150 to ~250 pg/mL after a single session.
This rise was similar to moderate cycling exercise.
4. Muscle-growth regulators shifted
Markers that limit muscle growth (like myostatin) were reduced after stimulation.
Markers linked to muscle activation and maintenance increased.
Why This Study Is Different
Most EMS studies look only at muscle strength.
This paper focused on something deeper:
👉 Muscle communication with the rest of the body.
It treats muscle as a chemical signaling organ, not just a movement tool.
That’s a big shift in how scientists think about muscle activity.
Practical Interpretation (Non-Medical)
This research helps scientists understand:
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Why muscle contractions matter, even without heavy exercise
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How electrical stimulation may mimic some internal exercise signals
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Why EMS is being studied for people with limited mobility
No treatments are claimed.
No outcomes are guaranteed.
It simply adds scientific understanding.
Study Information
Original Paper Title
Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation: A New Therapeutic Option for Chronic Diseases Based on Contraction-Induced Myokine Secretion
Simplified Title
Can Electrical Muscle Stimulation Trigger Exercise-Like Signals in the Body?
Journal
Frontiers in Physiology (peer-reviewed, international science journal)
DOI (Permanent Identifier)
https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2019.01463
Why this source is trustworthy
Frontiers in Physiology is a peer-reviewed scientific journal.
The paper was reviewed by independent experts and published by an established academic publisher.
Summary Table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Study Focus | Electrical muscle stimulation and body signaling |
| Type of Stimulation | Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) |
| Main Observation | Muscle contractions released exercise-related myokines |
| Timeframe | Changes observed within ~30 minutes |
| Unique Angle | Muscle treated as a communication organ |
| Interpretation Note | Selected observations only; full context in original paper |
This table summarizes selected observations only. Full context is available in the original research paper.
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Let’s Talk
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Mandatory Disclaimer
This blog post is for informational and recreational purposes only.
It is not medical advice and not a substitute for professional guidance or the original research paper.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health-related decisions.
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