Welcome to another post of our ORIEMS FIT RESEARCH DIGEST blog series.
Every week we uncover one more legit study. Most outlets only repeat research approved by corporations and the wealthy — we don’t. We explain it so simply that anyone, 14 or 70, can follow.
Many studies stay hidden because they threaten profit, control, or power. Our mission is to break those walls, spotlight honest scientists, and cut the jargon so you see what really matters.
At the end, you’ll always get the original study link — to collect, download, or fact-check. Got a topic you care about? Email us, and we’ll dig up the latest hidden research with the source link included.
The Story
This study came from the University of Extremadura in Spain, together with collaborators in Chile, Portugal, and other institutions. The University of Extremadura is one of Europe’s strongholds for sports science research, with decades of published work on exercise physiology.
The team, led by Luiz Rodrigues-Santana and colleagues, wanted to answer a bold question:
👉 Does whole-body electrical muscle stimulation (WB EMS) really change body composition and strength more than regular exercise?
They pulled together 26 randomized controlled trials from around the world, involving 1,183 people aged between 20 and 77. Some were young athletes, some were middle-aged women, and some were older adults living with conditions like obesity or low back pain.
The participants trained with electrical whole body system that sent impulses across all major muscles — usually twice a week for 20 minutes. The comparison groups either did the same workouts without electricity or followed other traditional exercise routines.
What They Found
The results were striking:
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Muscle gain: On average, people using whole-body electrical muscle stimulation built more lean muscle mass (0.36 effect size). Think of it as being able to carry an extra three grocery bags up the stairs after just a few weeks.
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Fat reduction: Body fat dropped significantly (−0.38 effect size). In daily life, that’s like trimming a few belt notches without adding extra hours at the gym.
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Strength: Strength jumped higher than in regular exercise groups (0.54 effect size). That’s the difference between struggling with 10 push-ups and suddenly managing 15.
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Power: Muscle power also improved (0.36 effect size), meaning quicker sprints, easier jumps, and faster reactions.
Even better? None of the 26 trials reported serious side effects. Just safe, short workouts that delivered measurable body changes.
Why Does This Matter?
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Athletes and trainers: This shows a legal, science-backed shortcut to stack more power on top of regular training.
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People with limited mobility: Imagine improving strength while seated or moving lightly — this tech makes it possible.
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People with little time: Just 20 minutes twice a week gave results similar to hours of conventional workouts.
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People living with pain: Several studies tested participants with chronic back pain or osteoarthritis, showing they could still gain strength and lose fat safely.
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Weight management seekers: With body fat dropping across groups, EMS offers a new tool for trimming fat when diets and exercise alone stall.
Study Summary
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What Was the Study About? | Whether whole-body electrical muscle stimulation improves body composition and strength. |
| Who Took Part? | 1,183 adults (20–77 years), from athletes to older adults with obesity or back pain. |
| How Did They Test It? | Compared EMS suits during workouts vs. regular exercise or no exercise. Sessions ~20 minutes, 1–3 times per week, up to 54 weeks. |
| What Did They Find? | More muscle (+0.36 effect size), less fat (−0.38), stronger (+0.54), and more powerful (+0.36). |
Research Reference Section
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Original Paper: The effects of whole-body muscle stimulation on body composition and strength parameters: A PRISMA systematic review and meta-analysis
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Simplified Title: Electrical Muscle Stimulation Builds More Muscle and Burns More Fat Than Regular Exercise
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Authors: Luiz Rodrigues-Santana, Louro Hugo, Jorge Pérez-Gómez, Miguel A. Hernández-Mocholí, Jorge Carlos-Vivas, Pilar Saldaña-Cortés, Nicolás Contreras-Barraza, José C. Adsuar
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Year: 2023
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Institute: University of Extremadura (Spain) and collaborators
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Link to Study: Medicine Journal – Wolters Kluwer
ORIEMS FIT Mission Reminder
This blog is part of the ORIEMS FIT RESEARCH DIGEST series. Our mission is to make hidden studies accessible, strip away jargon, and inspire curiosity.
Brand Message
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The ProductReview.com.au award is completely independent, based only on real customer reviews and ratings, not commercial deals. This recognition proves Australians trust and recommend ORIEMS FIT.
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We design Wide-Range Targeted Muscle Stimulators inspired by EMS technology insight — a tool to enhance fitness and relaxation routines. But our work goes beyond products — we share the latest research papers, the hard work of honest scientists, making suppressed research easy to understand.
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Disclaimer
This blog post is for informational and recreational purposes only. It is not medical advice. ORIEMS FIT does not diagnose, treat, or recommend. Research results apply only to the participants studied and may not apply to everyone. Electrical stimulation devices may not be suitable for all people. Risks can include muscle soreness, skin irritation, or discomfort if misused. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting or changing any treatment, exercise program, or device use. Reading this blog is not a substitute for professional medical care. For full details, visit: ORIEMS Disclaimer.
Call to Discussion
Which part of this study surprised you most? Leave a comment — we’d love to hear your thoughts.
