💥 Can a EMS Abdominal Belt Really Make Your Abs Stronger Without Crunches?

person Savannah Martin
calendar_today Aug 05, 2025
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ORIEMS FIT RESEARCH DIGEST
Another Real Study, Made Simple for You – No Medical Advice, Just Facts

💥 Can a Belt Really Make Your Abs Stronger Without Crunches?

(Study by University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, USA – Published in Journal of Sports Science and Medicine)

At Oriems Fit Research Digest, we bring you simplified summaries of trustworthy studies about muscle stimulation and body recovery — perfect for those who are curious but don’t like reading scientific papers.

Every post includes a link to the full study (usually with a downloadable PDF) so if you’re a research lover, you can check the original source yourself. Or if you don’t like our simple explanation, just scroll straight to the bottom and read the study directly. 🧠📚

Now, let’s get into today’s study – and yes, this one is all about NMES (that’s short for Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation, a niche of EMS), and it has some exciting results.

❓ Who Did This Research and When?

This research was published in March 2005 by a team of respected scientists from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in the United States.

📍 Who are these researchers?

Dr. John Porcari (PhD – Clinical Exercise Physiology)
Carl Foster (PhD – Elite athlete research)
Karen McLean (PhD – Physical Therapy)
Other trained researchers in exercise science

This university is known for serious sports science and therapy research — not a commercial company selling products.

❓ Who Funded This Study?

The research was funded by Compex Technologies, the makers of the abdominal belt tested in this study. While the company provided funding and the belts, the researchers conducted the study independently.

❓ What Is This Study About?

This study tested whether a wearable Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation embedded belt could improve abdominal strength, endurance, shape, and waist size — without doing any traditional exercise (no sit-ups or crunches).

❓ Who Were the People in the Study?

41 healthy adults (men and women)
Aged between 25 and 50 years old
Not doing any ab exercises before or during the study
No pacemakers, no implants, and not pregnant

They were split into 2 groups:

24 people used the Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation embedded abdominal belt
16 people did nothing at all for 8 weeks (the control group)

❓ How Was the Study Done?

The Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation group used the belt 5 days per week for 8 weeks
Each session lasted 20–40 minutes
They did no other exercise
The control group also avoided ab workouts

Researchers tested:

Ab strength (using a machine)
Ab endurance (curl-up test)
Waist size (tape measure)
Body shape & satisfaction (questionnaires)

✅ What Did They Find?

💪 58% Increase in Abdominal Strength

People using the Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation embedded belt became much stronger in their abs
Control group? No change at all

🔁 100% Increase in Ab Endurance

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation group doubled how many curl-ups they could do
Control group only got 28% better (likely from repeating the test)

📉 3.6 cm Decrease in Waist Circumference

That’s nearly 1.5 inches gone around the waist
No one lost weight — the shape changed because muscles pulled in the belly

📏 1.4 cm Less Belly Bulge (Front-to-Back)

Tighter core = flatter-looking stomach

👕 13 out of 24 people said their clothes fit better

🧍♂️ 54% said their posture improved

✨ 100% said their abs felt firmer and more toned

🤔 Why Could EMS (Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation - NMES) Help with These Problems?

Supports people who can’t do crunches (e.g., sore back, no time, low motivation)
Stimulates your abdominal muscles to contract strongly
Acts like a passive workout — your muscles get activated while you rest

🙋♀️ How Might This Help Someone Using Oriems Fit EMS?

This study backs the idea that high-quality electrical stimulation, when used properly and regularly:

Helps build abdominal muscle strength
Improves core endurance
May gently shape the midsection even if body weight stays the same
Can give people the feeling of being stronger, firmer, and more confident

All without doing crunches.

🔬 Research Paper Original Name:

The Effects of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Training on Abdominal Strength, Endurance, and Selected Anthropometric Measures

📝 Simplified Name:

Can an Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Belt Really Tone Your Abs in 8 Weeks Without Exercise?

📎 Link to Full Study (PDF):
Download & Read on JSSM.org

Why this source is trustworthy:
Published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Sports Science & Medicine — a respected academic journal, not a marketing brochure.

🧠 What is Oriems Fit Research Digest?

This post is part of the ORIEMS FIT RESEARCH DIGEST, where we simplify real scientific studies for everyone — especially those who don’t have time (or interest) in reading complex science.

We believe that curiosity is the first step to better health, and that even 70-year-olds and 14-year-olds should feel welcome to explore new discoveries.

Our mission is to make science easy, fun, and inspiring. From EMS to nutrition, we break it down for real people with real questions.

Real Studies, Made Simple for You – No Medical Advice, Just Facts

🛒 Thinking of Trying EMS Yourself?

At Oriems Fit, a 100% Australian Award-Winning Brand, we’re proud to be recognized as YEAR'S BEST for two years in a row — 2024 and 2025 — by Australia’s top product review authority.

We specialize in the Wide-Range Targeted Muscle Stimulator — enhanced with EMS technology — to support muscle engagement, recovery, and relaxation. Whether you’re young or older, active or sedentary, it’s designed to fit into your life with ease.

💬 What Do You Think?

Would you ever use an EMS belt if it could help with your posture, core strength, or shaping your midsection?
Leave a comment and let us know! 💬👇

🔒 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.
Full disclaimer: https://oriems.fit/blogs/research-digest/disclaimer