Quick Overview:

A 12-week French study in elite rugby players tested EMS alongside normal training. After 6 weeks, squat strength increased 8.3%. After 12 weeks, squat strength improved 15%. Knee extensor torque rose 18% (eccentric 120°/s) and up to 19% (concentric 120°/s). Squat jump height increased 10%, and drop jump improved 6.6%. The control group showed no meaningful change. Results suggest structured EMS may support measurable strength and power gains when combined with regular training.

ORIEMS FIT Research Digest

At , we translate real university research into simple, clear language.

Our goal is to help you understand how EMS (electrical muscle stimulation) works — whether you are considering buying a device or already using one.

This article is for education only. It is not medical advice. It does not diagnose or treat any condition. Links to original studies will always be provided at the end of every article.

What Is This Study About?

This research examined whether 12 weeks of EMS training could improve muscle strength and power in elite rugby players.

Who conducted the study?

Researchers included Nicolas Babault and colleagues from French sport science institutions and the French Rugby Federation.

Where was it conducted?

France.

What type of stimulation was used?

The study used EMS (electromyostimulation).

It did not use TENS.

Quick EMS vs TENS explanation:

• EMS causes muscles to contract.

• TENS is typically used to influence pain signals.

This study focused on strength and performance, so EMS was used.

Who participated?

• 25 elite male rugby players

• Competing in 1st or 2nd division French rugby

• Average age: about 22 years

• 15 players used EMS

• 10 players were the control group

These were healthy athletes, not people with injuries or chronic pain.

How Did They Study It?

Study Design

• Players were randomly divided into EMS and control groups.

• Both groups continued regular rugby training (5 sessions per week).

• Only the EMS group added EMS sessions.

• Testing occurred at Week 0, Week 6, and Week 12.

EMS Protocol Details

• Frequency: 100 Hz

• Pulse width: 400 microseconds

• 5 seconds contraction, 15 seconds rest

• 36 contractions per muscle group per session

• 12 minutes per muscle group

• Warm-up stimulation: 5 Hz for 5 minutes

• Weeks 1–6: 3 sessions per week

• Weeks 7–12: 1 session per week

Muscles stimulated:

• Quadriceps (front thigh)

• Calf muscles

• Glute muscles

Intensity was adjusted based on tolerance but strong enough to create meaningful contractions.

No serious discomfort was reported.

What Did They Measure?

Researchers tested:

Strength

• Isokinetic knee extension torque

• Full squat 1RM

• Scrum machine pushing force

Power

• Squat jump

• Countermovement jump

• Drop jump

• Repeated jump test

Speed

• 20-meter sprint

• 50-meter sprint

What Did They Find?

After 6 Weeks

The EMS group showed:

• Squat strength increased by about 8%

Other measures did not change significantly at this stage.

After 12 Weeks

The EMS group showed improvements in:

Knee Extensor Strength

• Eccentric torque increased around 18% at one test speed

• Concentric torque improved around 10–19% at certain speeds

Squat Strength

• Increased by about 15%

Jump Performance

• Squat jump improved about 10%

• Drop jump improved about 6%

What Did NOT Improve?

• Sprint speed did not improve.

• Scrummaging force did not significantly change.

• Some jump tests showed no clear change.

The control group showed no major improvements.

What Does This Mean If You Are Considering EMS?

1. EMS Can Support Strength Adaptation

In this study, adding EMS to regular training was associated with improvements in certain strength and power measurements.

2. It Does Not Improve Everything

Speed and some rugby-specific skills did not improve.

EMS may support muscle strength, but it does not automatically improve sport performance skills.

3. Consistency Matters

Stronger improvements appeared after 12 weeks, not just 6 weeks.

4. Safety

No serious discomfort was reported in these athletes.

However, this does not mean EMS is suitable for everyone.

If you have:

• A medical condition

• A pacemaker or implanted device

• Neurological issues

• Pregnancy

You should consult a health professional before use.

What Does This Mean If You Already Use EMS?

Be Consistent

Results in this study took time.

Use Proper Intensity

Strong but tolerable muscle contractions were used.

Understand Expectations

EMS may support muscle activation and strength over time.
It is not a shortcut or replacement for all training methods.

Conclusion

This 12-week study in elite rugby players found that EMS training, when added to regular rugby practice, was associated with improvements in measured strength and some power outcomes.

It did not improve sprint speed or scrummaging performance.

EMS may be useful as a training support tool, particularly for muscle activation and strength development.

If you want full context, read the original study linked below.

🔵 Detailed Research Summary Table

Original Study Link:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17530954/

🔴 Disclaimer

This article is provided for educational purposes only.

It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations.

ORIEMS FIT does not claim to cure, prevent, or treat any disease.

Results observed in research studies do not guarantee individual outcomes.

Individual responses to EMS may vary.

You should consult a qualified health professional before using electrical stimulation if you have any medical condition, are pregnant, have an implanted device, or are unsure whether EMS is appropriate for you.

This content is not intended to replace professional medical care.

ORIEMS FIT is not affiliated with the research institutions mentioned.

Readers are responsible for their own health decisions.

No liability is accepted for misuse of products or misinterpretation of this content.

This article complies with Australian regulatory expectations and avoids therapeutic claims.

ORIEMS FIT Research Digest makes complex research from top scientists and universities easy for anyone to understand—clear, simple, and never medical advice, just trustworthy science.

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