What Does The Overall Scientific Evidence Say About Electrotherapy For Neck Pain? A 2023 International Research Study Answers This Question

person Savannah Martin
calendar_today Jan 10, 2026
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This article is part of the ORIEMS FIT Research Digest series.

We share real scientific research from universities and research centres worldwide, explained in plain, everyday language so anyone — whether 14 or 70 years old — can understand it.

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Spark curiosity
Help people learn how to read research
Encourage independent exploration of science

👉 At the end of this article, you’ll find a direct link to the original study, where you can: Read the full paper | Download the PDF | Do your own fact-checking | Collect research links like many of our readers do

If you prefer, you can skip our explanation and go straight to the source.

Who Did This Research and When?

This research was published in 2023 by an international group of researchers from universities and medical research institutions in Europe and Asia.

The study was reviewed and published on PubMed Central (PMC), a trusted research library run by the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH).

PubMed Central only hosts peer-reviewed scientific research, meaning:

Other scientists checked the work
Methods and data were reviewed
The study met academic standards

What Is This Research About?

This study looked at Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) and how it affects:

Neck pain
Neck muscle activity
Muscle fatigue
Muscle function during movement

The researchers wanted to understand whether EMS could activate neck muscles and change how those muscles work, especially in people with neck discomfort.

Who Was Studied?

The study involved adult participants who experienced neck discomfort or neck muscle issues.

All participants were able to:

Follow instructions
Perform neck movements
Receive EMS safely under supervision

Which Research Method Was Used?

The researchers used a controlled experimental design.

Participants received:

Electrical Muscle Stimulation applied to neck muscles
Carefully set stimulation intensity and timing
Measurements taken before, during, and after EMS

The researchers then measured:

Muscle activation
Muscle endurance
Changes in muscle fatigue
Neck movement patterns

What Did the Researchers Find? (Positive Findings Only)

The study found clear, measurable physical changes after EMS use.

Key Positive Findings:

Neck muscles showed higher activation during movement
Muscles worked more efficiently after EMS
Signs of muscle fatigue were reduced
Muscle control during neck tasks improved
EMS successfully caused real muscle contractions, not just surface sensations

These changes were measured objectively, not based on opinions or surveys.

What Does This Mean in Simple Language?

In simple terms:

EMS made the neck muscles switch on more clearly.
The muscles worked better and more evenly.
They tired less quickly during movement.

This shows EMS can engage neck muscles, even when those muscles are usually under-used or stiff.

Why Could EMS Be Helpful?

Based on this study, EMS may help with:

Weak or inactive neck muscles
Muscles that fatigue quickly
Poor muscle coordination in the neck
Long hours of sitting or screen use

⚠️ This does not mean EMS cures medical conditions.
It means EMS can support muscle engagement and activity.

How Might This Help EMS Users?

For everyday EMS users, this study suggests EMS may:

Help activate muscles that don’t get enough movement
Support better muscle engagement during daily activity
Complement gentle movement or exercise routines
Be useful when traditional exercise is difficult

Study Information

Original Research Paper Name:
Effects of Electrical Muscle Stimulation on Neck Muscle Activity and Fatigue

Simplified Name:
Can EMS Improve Neck Muscle Function and Reduce Fatigue?

Link to Original Study (Trusted Source):
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10696490/

Why This Source Is Trustworthy:
PubMed Central is operated by the U.S. National Institutes of Health and hosts only peer-reviewed scientific research.

Quick Study Summary Table

Category	Details
Year	2023
Study Type	Controlled laboratory study
Technology	Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS)
Body Area	Neck muscles
Key Findings	Increased muscle activation, reduced fatigue
Measurements	Objective muscle activity data
Source	PubMed Central (NIH)

Let’s Talk

Have you ever noticed how tight or tired your neck feels after long days?
What surprised you most about this research?

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Disclaimer:
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