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.
Can EMS Really Boost Muscle Strength 71% in Minutes?
In France, scientists from Clermont Auvergne University (formerly University of Clermont-Ferrand, founded in 1896) and the Polytechnic University of Hauts-de-France (Valenciennes, the first official polytechnic university in France since 2019) asked a simple but important question:
👉 Does the frequency of electrical stimulation change how strong muscles get — and how fast they get tired?
The study was published as:
“Influence of electrical stimulation frequency on skeletal muscle force and fatigue.”
Why Trust These Universities?
These aren’t unknown labs.
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Clermont Auvergne University has over 100 years of academic history and consistently ranks among the top 30 French universities, featured in Times Higher Education global rankings. The city itself was home to Blaise Pascal, one of history’s greatest scientific minds.
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Polytechnic University of Hauts-de-France has a strong reputation in engineering, rehabilitation science, and applied research, publishing internationally recognized peer-reviewed studies.
In short: these are government-recognized, public universities with decades of credibility in human performance research.
Who They Tested
The researchers worked with 26 healthy young adults, average age 23. Most were already active in sports, so their muscles were strong and accustomed to training.
How They Tested It
Each participant trained their quadriceps (front thigh muscle) using EMS. The program looked like a typical gym or rehab routine:
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20 minutes total
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60 contractions (each 5 seconds long)
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15 seconds rest between contractions
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Tested at three frequencies: 100 Hz, 50 Hz, and 20 Hz
What They Found
At first, 100 Hz EMS delivered explosive strength — about 71% of maximum voluntary strength. That’s like carrying almost all your grocery bags in one trip without breaking a sweat.
But the excitement didn’t last. Muscles burned out fast:
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After 20 minutes, 100 Hz dropped to just 27% of original force.
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50 Hz held slightly better, at 33%.
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20 Hz kept the longest endurance, at 38%.
👉 In everyday words:
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High frequency = super strong, but like sprinting up a hill — you can’t keep it up for long.
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Low frequency = gentler, but lasts longer — more like a steady walk.
The scientists even suggested that the classic 20-minute EMS session may not be the best. Instead, they recommend shorter bursts (around 15 contractions) with breaks, which may work better for strength and endurance.
What Does This Mean For You?
👉 For athletes: High frequency (100 Hz) delivers explosive gym-like power, perfect for short bursts. But don’t overdo it — the crash is real.
👉 For people with limited mobility: EMS shows muscles can still be trained powerfully without running or lifting weights. Low frequency is gentler, making it safer and longer-lasting.
👉 For busy people with no time: The study proves you don’t need 20 minutes straight. Even 5-minute mini-sessions can be effective.
👉 For people living with pain: Lower frequencies are less aggressive and less tiring. That makes EMS more comfortable for routines where you want movement without pushing too hard.
👉 For weight management: Longer-lasting, lower-frequency contractions keep muscles active longer, supporting calorie burn and metabolism better than one explosive but short-lived burst.
Study Summary
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What Was the Study About? | Whether EMS frequency (100, 50, 20 Hz) changes muscle strength and fatigue. |
| Who Took Part? | 26 healthy young adults, average age 23, most active in sports. |
| How Did They Test It? | 20 minutes EMS on quadriceps: 60 contractions (5s on, 15s rest). |
| What Did They Find? | 100 Hz surged to 71% strength but fell to 27%. 50 Hz ended at 33%. 20 Hz ended at 38%. |
Research Reference
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Original paper name: Influence of electrical stimulation frequency on skeletal muscle force and fatigue
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Simplified title: How EMS frequency changes muscle strength and tiredness
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Authors: B. Dreibati, C. Lavet, A. Pinti, G. Poumarat
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Year: 2010
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Institutes: Clermont Auvergne University & Polytechnic University of Hauts-de-France, France
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Link to study: ScienceDirect – Official Source
ORIEMS FIT Mission Reminder
This blog is part of the ORIEMS FIT RESEARCH DIGEST series. Our mission: make hidden studies accessible, strip away jargon, and inspire curiosity.
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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.
