At Oriems Fit Research Digest, we simplify the latest scientific findings, helping you understand how Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) impacts your body. Today, we explore a recent study that examines whether combining EMS with cycling can boost brain performance.
For years, EMS has been praised for improving muscle recovery and strength, but could it also enhance cognitive function, memory, and reaction time? A new study from the University of Electro-Communications, Japan, investigates whether pairing EMS with cycling exercise leads to better brain performance.
Who Conducted This Research?
📌 Researchers from The University of Electro-Communications (Japan), Setsunan University (Japan), and the University of Portsmouth (UK).
📌 Published in Frontiers in Physiology, a peer-reviewed journal.
📌 Funded by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, ensuring no corporate bias.
What Did the Study Investigate?
The researchers wanted to see if EMS combined with cycling could improve cognitive performance compared to cycling alone.
They tested 18 healthy young adults who performed a Go/No-Go cognitive task before and after three different activities:
✔ Cycling Alone (EX Group) – Participants cycled for 20 minutes at 120 beats per minute (BPM) heart rate.
✔ EMS + Cycling (EMS+EX Group) – Participants cycled while EMS was applied to their legs, thighs, and glutes at 80% of their max tolerance for 20 minutes.
✔ Rest (Control Group) – Participants sat still for 20 minutes.
Cognitive performance was measured using reaction time (RT) and accuracy before and after each session.
What Were the Findings?
🔹 Does EMS + Cycling Improve Brain Performance?
- Surprisingly, no. The EMS + Cycling group did not show any significant cognitive improvement compared to cycling alone.
- This suggests that voluntary movement is key for brain-boosting benefits, and EMS alone may not activate the brain enough to improve cognition.
🔹 Did Regular Cycling Improve Brain Function?
- YES! The Cycling Alone group showed faster reaction times, meaning their brains processed information quicker after exercise.
- This aligns with past research that moderate-intensity exercise boosts brain performance.
🔹 What Happened to the Resting Group?
- Their reaction times actually got worse, showing that inactivity may slow down brain processing.
Why Didn’t EMS Improve Cognitive Function?
The study suggests that EMS works differently from traditional exercise:
🧠 Exercise increases brain activity – Cycling stimulates brain regions responsible for movement and decision-making, which may explain the improvement in reaction time.
⚡ EMS does not require voluntary effort – Because EMS forces muscle contractions without brain involvement, it might not activate cognitive processes like exercise does.
💡 Brain engagement is key – Other studies suggest that EMS combined with upper-body exercise (like arm cranking) may improve cognition, but applying EMS to active leg muscles may not be as effective.
What Does This Mean for EMS Users?
🔹 EMS is great for muscle recovery and strength but may not be the best tool for brain enhancement.
🔹 If you want cognitive benefits, pair EMS with active movement—upper-body exercises like arm cranking may be better than leg cycling.
🔹 Exercise still matters! This study confirms that regular physical activity enhances brain function, making cycling a great option for both physical and mental fitness.
Final Thoughts
While EMS is a powerful tool for muscle training and rehabilitation, this study suggests that exercise alone is still superior for improving brain function. If you want sharper reflexes and better cognitive performance, traditional workouts like cycling are more effective than EMS alone.
📢 What’s Your Take?
Do you feel mentally sharper after exercising? Have you noticed any cognitive changes when using EMS? Let’s discuss in the comments!
Original Research Details
📄 Title: Combined Effects of Electrical Muscle Stimulation and Cycling Exercise on Cognitive Performance
📚 Published by: Frontiers in Physiology (2024)
🔗 Read the full study: Click here
📢 Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting new fitness routines. When it comes to your personal health, only take advise from your doctors.
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