Welcome to another post from the ORIEMS FIT Research Digest series.

In this series, we share real scientific research in simple language.
Our goal is to spark curiosity, not to give medical advice.

At the end of every post, you’ll always find a link to the original research paper.
If you enjoy collecting studies, checking facts, or reading full PDFs, they’re there for you.

You can skip our explanation anytime and go straight to the science.

Who Did This Research, and When?

Who conducted the study?
This research was led by Dr. Gustavo J. Almeida and colleagues.

Where were the researchers based?

• University of Pittsburgh

• University of Texas Health Science Center

• United States

These universities are well-known for physical therapy and rehabilitation research.

When was it published?

• Published in 2019

Who funded it?

• National Institutes of Health (NIH)

• American College of Rheumatology Research Foundation

These are major, independent public research funders, which increases credibility.

What Was This Research About?

People with rheumatoid arthritis often lose muscle strength, even when joints are treated.

This study looked at neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES),
a type of electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) that gently activates muscles using electrical signals.

The big question was:

How much stimulation is actually needed to help muscle function in people with RA?

Who Took Part in the Study?

• 24 adults with rheumatoid arthritis

• Average age: 58 years

• 75% were women

• Average RA duration: about 16 years

• Most had mild to moderate disease activity

This is important because these were real people living with long-term RA, not athletes.

How Was the Study Done?

Participants received electrical muscle stimulation on the thigh muscles.

Key details:

• 36 EMS sessions

• Over 16 weeks

• 2–3 sessions per week

• Muscles tested before and after the program

Researchers measured:

• Muscle size

• Muscle quality (less fat inside muscle)

• Muscle strength

What Did the Researchers Find? (Positive Findings Only)

1. Muscle Strength Improved

After 16 weeks:

• Muscle strength increased by about 14 Newton-meters on average

• This was statistically significant

This means the change was real, not random.

2. Muscle Quality Improved

Muscle quality refers to how much fat is inside the muscle.

Results showed:

• Muscle quality improved by 1.5 Hounsfield Units

• Better muscle quality is linked to better movement and daily function in RA

3. Improvement Happened at Low Intensity

One of the most important findings:

• Only 11–20% intensity (about 15%) of a person’s maximum muscle effort
  was enough to improve:

  • Strength

  • Muscle quality

This matters because lower intensity is easier to tolerate, especially for people with joint pain.

4. Higher Intensity Was Not Always Better

When stimulation intensity went above 50%:

• Muscle improvements did not increase further

• Muscles likely became fatigued

This suggests more is not always better.

Why Could EMS Be Helpful for People With RA?

People with RA often:

• Avoid movement due to pain

• Lose muscle strength over time

• Struggle with daily activities like standing or climbing stairs

EMS:

• Activates muscles without heavy joint loading

• Can work even when voluntary exercise is difficult

• May help keep muscles active during low-movement periods

How Might This Help EMS Users?

This study suggests:

• Gentle EMS levels may still support muscle function

• Comfort matters more than pushing intensity

• Consistency over time is key

This may be encouraging for people who find traditional exercise difficult.

Research Paper Information

Original Research Title:
Dose-Response Relationship Between Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation and Muscle Function in People With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Simplified Title:
Can Gentle Electrical Muscle Stimulation Support Muscle Strength in Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Link to Original Study (PubMed):
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31197369/

Why this source is trustworthy:

• Published in Physical Therapy, a peer-reviewed journal

• Backed by NIH and rheumatology research funding

• Conducted at major U.S. universities

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Study Summary Table

Let’s Talk

Have you noticed muscle weakness even when your RA feels controlled?
Do you think gentle muscle activation could make daily life easier?

Leave a comment and join the discussion.
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Mandatory Disclaimer

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:
https://oriems.fit/blogs/research-digest/disclaimer