Quick Overview

As we get older, back strength often declines. This can make simple movements feel harder. A 2016 randomized pilot study from Seoul National University examined whether adding electromyostimulation (EMS) to back exercises could enhance strength gains. Twenty healthy young men trained for two weeks. Both groups improved, but the EMS group showed a measured increase that was moderately greater. The difference was not statistically significant, likely due to small sample size. Researchers suggested improved neural activation may explain the effect. For older adults, this suggests EMS may support muscle activation when combined with regular strengthening exercise. Educational content only. Not medical advice.

We always provide direct links to the original research at the end of every article so you can review the evidence yourself.

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Welcome to the ORIEMS FIT Research Digest.

Our goal is simple.

We take real research from universities.
We translate it into clear, everyday language.
No hype. No dramatic claims. No shortcuts.

This article is for education only.
It is not medical advice.

Today we review a study exploring whether adding electromyostimulation (EMS) to back exercises may improve back strength.

This is especially relevant for people who feel their back is getting weaker with age.

What Is This Study About?

This study examined whether adding EMS to back strengthening exercise could increase back muscle strength and endurance.

Who conducted it?

Researchers from:

• Seoul National University

• Seoul National University Hospital

• Boramae Medical Center
  South Korea

Where was it published?

In the peer-reviewed journal:

Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research (NSCA)
Year: 2016

What type of stimulation was used?

This study used:

EMS (Electromyostimulation)

Important distinction:

This study focused on muscle contraction for strengthening, not pain relief.

Who was studied?

• 20 healthy young men

• Age 20–29

• No back pain

• Non-athletes

This was a pilot randomized controlled trial.

It did not study older adults.
However, the muscle activation principles may still be relevant.

How Did They Study It?

Study Design

• Randomized

• Controlled

• Single-blind

• 2-week duration

• Two groups:

  • Exercise + real EMS

  • Exercise + sham stimulation (very low intensity)

Exercise Protocol

All participants performed:

• Back extension exercise on a Swiss ball

• 10 repetitions per set

• 2 sets per day

• 5 days per week

• For 2 weeks

Each repetition included:

• Slow lifting phase

• 8–9 second hold

• 10 seconds of electrical stimulation

• 20 seconds rest

EMS Settings

• Frequency: 100 Hz

• Pulse width: 300 microseconds

• Intensity: maximally tolerable (average ~56 mA)

• Sham group received only 5 mA

Measurements Used

Primary outcome:

• Isokinetic back extensor strength (objective machine testing)

Secondary outcome:

• Back endurance (Sorensen test)

What Did They Find?

Both groups improved.

This is important.

Simple back exercise worked.

However:

The EMS group showed:

• A measured increase in strength

• A measured increase in endurance

• A moderate effect size compared to exercise alone

The difference was not statistically significant, likely due to small sample size.

But the trend favored EMS.

The researchers suggested this may relate to:

Neural adaptation

In simple terms:

Better communication between the brain and muscle.

Not muscle growth.
Not dramatic change.
But improved activation.

Why This Matters As We Get Older

As we age:

• Muscle mass gradually declines.

• Nerve signals to muscles may weaken.

• Activation becomes less efficient.

• Back endurance decreases.

Sometimes weakness is not only about muscle size.

It is about signal strength.

EMS works by:

• Creating strong muscle contractions.

• Stimulating motor nerves.

• Potentially supporting neural activation.

This may help support early strength gains when combined with exercise.

It does not replace movement.

It supports it.

What Does This Mean for Someone Considering EMS?

1️⃣ Safety

EMS is generally safe when used properly.

However, it should be avoided if you have:

• A pacemaker

• Active malignancy

• Infected skin areas

• Pregnancy (unless cleared by a doctor)

If you are older and have medical conditions, consult a health professional first.

2️⃣ Realistic Expectations

This study showed:

• Exercise improves back strength.

• EMS may add a moderate additional stimulus.

• Results were measured after 2 weeks.

It did not show:

• Cure of back pain

• Long-term outcomes

• Effects in elderly patients

Expect gradual progress.

3️⃣ Who It May Suit

• Adults feeling early back weakness

• Those struggling with muscle activation

• People in early strengthening phases

4️⃣ Who Should Seek Advice First

• Chronic back pain patients

• People with neurological conditions

• Individuals with implanted medical devices

• Anyone unsure about safety

What Does This Mean for Someone Already Using EMS?

If you are already using EMS:

✔ Consistency matters
✔ Intensity matters
✔ Combine with active exercise
✔ Progress gradually

Short-term gains are often neural.

Muscle growth takes longer.

EMS is not TENS.

TENS is mainly for sensory stimulation.

EMS is for muscle contraction.

Understanding this difference is important.

Conclusion

This study suggests:

• Back strengthening exercise works.

• Adding EMS may provide a moderate additional effect.

• The mechanism may involve neural activation.

• Larger studies are needed.

• It was not conducted in older adults.

For people getting older and wanting stronger backs:

EMS may support activation when combined with proper training.

Informed decisions are better decisions.

We encourage reading the full study for deeper understanding.

🔵 VERY DETAILED RESEARCH SUMMARY TABLE

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🔴  DISCLAIMER

This article is for educational and informational purposes only.

It does not constitute medical advice.
It is not diagnosis.
It is not treatment recommendation.

No therapeutic claims are made.

ORIEMS FIT does not claim to cure, prevent, or treat any disease.

Individual responses to EMS vary.

No guarantee of results is provided.

Readers are responsible for their own health decisions.

Consult a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any exercise or electrical stimulation program.

This content does not replace professional medical care.

The research discussed involved specific populations and conditions.
Results may not apply to all individuals.

ORIEMS FIT does not endorse specific medical outcomes.

This article complies with Australian TGA advertising requirements.

No liability is accepted for misuse of products.

No liability is accepted for interpretation of this content.

ORIEMS FIT is not affiliated with Seoul National University or the NSCA.

No reproduction rights are granted without permission.