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In this post, we explore new research on how EMS may support muscle recovery after knee surgery—especially in athletes. Our goal is to make science simple and helpful, not to give medical advice.
Scroll to the end for a link to the original study so you can read it yourself.
Research Paper Title
Effect of Resistance Training along with Electrical Muscle Stimulation on Serum Levels of Some of the Molecular Markers of Muscle Hypertrophy in Male Athletes after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Surgery
Authors: Mohammad Hossein Khabbaz Kababi, Najmeh Rezaeian, Hossein Negahban Sioki, Ali Y'aghoubi
Who Did This Research and When?
This research was done by a group of scientists from Iran in 2022. They work at the Bojnourd Branch of the Islamic Azad University, in the city of Bojnourd, and at the Mashhad University of Medical Sciences in Mashhad, Iran. These universities are well-known for their work in the medical and health sciences, making them a trusted source for this type of research.
Who Funded This Research?
The research was funded by Islamic Azad University, Bojnourd Branch.
What Is This Research Specifically About?
The researchers wanted to see if Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS), combined with resistance exercises, could help male athletes build muscle better after having knee surgery. Specifically, they looked at some special markers in the blood that show muscle growth. The study focused on athletes who had recently had surgery on their anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), a common knee injury for sports players.
Who Was This Study Done On?
The study was done on 20 male athletes who had ACL surgery. They were divided into two groups: one group used EMS with their exercises, and the other just did exercises without EMS. The athletes were all aged between 35-38 years and had no other injuries or health issues.
What Methods Were Used in This Research?
The researchers used a method where they monitored the blood of these athletes both before and after 12 weeks of training. They were looking for changes in three markers: SIRT1, visfatin, and nitric oxide (NO). These markers help us understand how well muscles are growing and getting stronger.
Study Setup in Detail
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Participants: 20 male athletes (ages 35–38) recovering from ACL surgery
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Groups:
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EMS + Resistance Training Group
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Resistance Training Only Group
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Duration: 12 weeks
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Frequency: 3 sessions per week
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EMS Application:
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Used on quadriceps and hamstring muscles
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Frequency: 85 Hz
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Pulse width: 400 μs
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Duty cycle: 10 seconds contraction, 50 seconds rest
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Intensity: Adjusted to individual tolerance
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🧬 What They Measured
Researchers measured blood serum levels of 3 molecular markers before and after the intervention:
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SIRT1 (Sirtuin 1): A protein linked to muscle repair and energy regulation
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Visfatin: A marker associated with inflammation and metabolism
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Nitric Oxide (NO): Linked to blood flow and muscle growth
📈 Key Findings
🔹 1. SIRT1 Levels
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Significantly increased in the EMS + Resistance group
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Barely changed in the Resistance-Only group
➡ Interpretation: EMS may activate pathways related to muscle regeneration and cellular repair
🔹 2. Nitric Oxide (NO) Levels
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Substantial increase in the EMS + Resistance group
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Mild change in the Resistance-Only group
➡ Interpretation: EMS might improve blood flow and enhance the delivery of nutrients to recovering muscles
🔹 3. Visfatin Levels
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Slight increase in both groups, but not statistically significant
➡ Interpretation: EMS does not appear to increase inflammation or metabolic stress significantly
🧠 What It Means Practically
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EMS + exercise may accelerate muscle strength recovery by increasing SIRT1 and NO — key indicators of muscle hypertrophy and repair
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This approach could help combat muscle atrophy common after ACL surgery
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May be especially useful during early rehab, when full exercise is still limited
Why EMS Could Be Helpful for Certain Problems
After a knee injury like ACL surgery, it can be very hard for athletes to regain strength in their leg muscles. Muscles often get weak because they aren’t used as much while recovering. EMS can help by sending small electrical signals to the muscles, making them contract and strengthen even when normal exercise is difficult. This helps improve muscle function faster.
How This Study Might Help EMS Device Users
If you are using an EMS device, this research suggests that it might help your muscles get stronger, especially if you are recovering from an injury. For people who are working to regain muscle strength after a knee surgery, using EMS along with regular exercises could be a helpful tool to recover faster.
Research Paper Original Name
Effect of Resistance Training along with Electrical Muscle Stimulation on Serum Levels of Some of the Molecular Markers of Muscle Hypertrophy in Male Athletes after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Surgery
Simplified Name: Can EMS and Exercise Help Muscles Grow After Knee Surgery?
Link to Study: Read the Study Here
Why Is This Source Trustworthy?
This research was done by scientists at well-known universities in Iran, and the results were published in a scientific journal. It was also funded by a recognized university, which means they had support to do their work carefully and correctly.
About the ORIEMS FIT Research Digest
Our ORIEMS FIT Research Digest is all about sharing new and interesting research that can inspire you to learn more about your health and fitness. We aim to make science easy to understand so that you can stay curious and maybe even start your own journey into researching what works best for you!
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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. For full details on our disclaimer, visit ORIEMS FIT Disclaimer.
