A Hospital Trial Compared Two Electrical Approaches

Welcome to another article from the Oriems Fit Research Digest.

In this series, we translate real research into simple language.
No hype.
No medical promises.
Just what scientists tested, observed, and measured.

If you like collecting studies, the original research paper is linked at the bottom.

An Important Clarification Before We Begin

This study did not test gym-style EMS devices.

Instead, researchers compared two different ways of delivering electrical stimulation:

• Electrical stimulation delivered through acupuncture needles

• Electrical stimulation delivered through pads on the skin

Both approaches used electricity.
The key difference was how the electrical signal entered the body.

This distinction matters.

Who Conducted This Research?

The study was conducted in China, at Guang’anmen Hospital, part of the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences in Beijing.

It was published in 2017 in the peer-reviewed journal
Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

What Condition Were Researchers Studying?

The focus was chronic disc-related sciatica.

This type of sciatica happens when a lumbar disc irritates or compresses a nerve.
Pain often travels from the lower back into one leg.

All participants had:

• Symptoms lasting longer than three months

• Imaging evidence confirming disc involvement

Who Participated?

• 100 adults, aged 18 to 70

• Average age: approximately 52

• All diagnosed with chronic discogenic sciatica

How Was the Study Designed?

This was a randomized controlled hospital trial.

Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups:

• Electroacupuncture group (electrical stimulation via needles)

• Electrotherapy group (electrical stimulation via skin pads)

Treatment lasted four weeks.

Researchers then followed participants for 28 weeks total.

What Did the Treatments Look Like?

Both groups received:

• Electrical stimulation at 50 Hz

• Stimulation at the same anatomical locations

• Sessions lasting 20 minutes

Treatment frequency:

• Weeks 1–2: five sessions per week

• Weeks 3–4: three sessions per week

The electrical signal was similar.
The delivery pathway was different.

What Did Researchers Measure?

The main outcome was:

• Average leg pain, scored from 0 to 10

They also measured:

• Low back pain

• Daily function and disability

• Patient-reported improvement

• Safety and side effects

What Did the Results Show?

Pain Reduction

Both groups experienced reduced leg pain.

However:

• The electroacupuncture group showed larger improvements

• These improvements remained visible months later

At 28 weeks, differences between groups were still measurable.

Daily Function

Improvements were not limited to pain scores.

Participants receiving deeper electrical delivery reported:

• Better movement

• Less daily limitation

• Improved functional scores

Safety

No serious adverse events were reported.

Minor effects included:

• Small bruising in one participant

• Mild skin irritation in a few others

What Does This Mean in Plain Language?

This study suggests that electrical stimulation can help reduce sciatica-related discomfort.

It also highlights something important:

How electrical stimulation is delivered may influence outcomes.

Deeper or more targeted delivery appeared to produce stronger results in this setting.

That does not mean surface-based electrical stimulation is ineffective.
It means delivery, placement, frequency, and protocol all matter.

Why This Matters for Electrical Stimulation Users

If you are curious about electrical stimulation, this study is relevant.

It shows that:

• Electrical stimulation is actively researched in hospitals

• Researchers measure real-world outcomes

• Protocol design plays a critical role

Modern EMS devices continue to evolve around these insights:

• Optimizing electrode placement

• Improving signal control

• Enhancing user comfort and consistency

A Note on Expectations

This study does not promise a cure.
Results vary between individuals.

But it demonstrates that electrical stimulation is more than a trend.
It is a subject of structured clinical research.

Featured Product: Oriems Fit Electrical Muscle Stimulation Kit

Oriems Fit EMS devices are designed for general wellness and muscle activation.

Trusted by thousands of Australians, Oriems Fit focuses on:

• Thoughtful electrical delivery

• User-friendly design

• Everyday movement support

For general wellness and fitness use only.

Final Thought

This hospital trial reminds us of one key lesson:

Electrical stimulation works best when the method matches the goal.

Understanding the science helps users make informed choices.

👉 Explore the full Research Digest, podcast episodes, and original study here:
https://bit.ly/4aUgwwx

❤️ If you enjoy Research Digest articles, share them with your friends.

Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only.
It does not constitute medical advice or treatment guidance.

⭐ Featured Product: Original Oriems Ultimate Kit

Enhance your fitness and relaxation routine with EMS technology trusted by 10,000+ Australians 🇦🇺
🏆 Chosen from 68,000+ nominees
🏆 Voted Year’s Best in 2024 & 2025

(For general wellness and fitness use only.)

⚠️ Disclaimer

This product is designed for general wellness and fitness purposes only.
It is not a medical device and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

🧾 Study Summary (At a Glance)

💬 Want to discuss?

Have you or someone you know tried electrical stimulation or electroacupuncture for sciatica or nerve pain?

What did it feel like?
Did anything change over weeks or months?

👇 Share your experience in the comments.

❤️ If you like this Research Digest, share it with your friends:
👉 https://bit.ly/4aUgwwx