Quick Overview

In a 4-week study, volleyball athletes added EMS to regular training. Squat jump improved 6.5%, countermovement jump 5.4%, and sustained power 4.3%. Gains appeared even after EMS stopped, suggesting neuromuscular adaptation. EMS targets high-threshold motor units often under-recruited in voluntary training. For athletes already lifting, this may support power output without increasing joint load or adding more heavy sessions.

Introduction

At ORIEMS FIT Research Digest, our mission is simple.

We read real research papers from universities and scientific journals.
Then we explain them in everyday language.

No hype.
No exaggerated claims.
Just clear facts.

This post is for education only. It is not medical advice.
We help you understand the science so you can make informed decisions.

Today’s study looks at electromyostimulation (EMS) training and jumping performance in trained volleyball players.

Full study source: Effects of Electromyostimulation Training and Volleyball Practice on Jumping Ability 

Links to original studies will be always provided at the end of each article 

What Is This Study About?

This study examined whether 4 weeks of EMS training, combined with regular volleyball practice, could improve jumping ability.

Who conducted it?

Researchers included:

• Davide Malatesta

• Fabio Cattaneo

• Sergio Dugnani

• Nicola A. Maffiuletti

Research centres were based in:

• Montpellier, France

• Milan, Italy

• Dijon, France

What type of stimulation?

This study used high-frequency electromyostimulation (EMS).

Important distinction:

• EMS stimulates motor nerves to create muscle contractions.

• TENS is mainly used for sensory nerve stimulation and pain modulation.

• This study used EMS for strength and performance, not TENS.

Who was studied?

• 12 male volleyball players

• Regional competitive level

• Average age: 17 years

• All had trained for at least 4 years

How Did They Study It?

Study Design

• 40-day experimental period

• First 30 days: EMS + volleyball practice

• Final 10 days: Volleyball practice only

• No separate control group

EMS Protocol

• 3 sessions per week

• 4 weeks total

• ~12 minutes per session

• 20–22 contractions per session

• Muscles stimulated:

  • Quadriceps (knee extensors)

  • Calf muscles (plantar flexors)

• Intensity: Maximum tolerated (60–100 mA)

• Frequency: 105–120 Hz

• Pulse width: 400 microseconds

• Duty cycle: ~11–13%

Participants held a half-squat isometric position during stimulation.

No additional plyometric or weight training was performed.

Jump Testing

Measured at:

• Baseline

• After 4 weeks EMS

• 10 days after stopping EMS

Tests included:

• Squat Jump (SJ)

• Counter Movement Jump (CMJ)

• 15 seconds of repeated jumps

Measurements:

• Jump height

• Mechanical power per kg

• Flight time using contact mat

What Did They Find?

After 4 Weeks of EMS

Single jumps (SJ and CMJ):

• No significant improvement

Repeated jumps (15 seconds):

• Jump height increased by ~3.8%

• Mechanical power increased by ~4.3%

• Statistically significant

10 Days After EMS Stopped

After continuing normal volleyball training:

• Squat jump increased ~6.5%

• Counter movement jump increased ~5.4%

• Repeated jump height increased ~5.3%

• Mechanical power increased ~15.9%

These improvements were statistically significant.

Researchers observed that:

• Immediate changes were seen in repeated power output.

• Single jump performance improved after sport-specific practice.

• Neural adaptation may have contributed.

They concluded that EMS combined with sport-specific training may support vertical jump performance.

No claims were made about injury treatment or medical outcomes.

What Does This Mean for Someone Considering EMS?

1. EMS Can Activate Muscle Fibers

EMS recruits motor units, including fast-twitch fibers.
These fibers contribute to explosive movements.

2. It Is Not Instant

This study shows:

• Immediate gains were modest.

• Larger improvements occurred after continued practice.

EMS appears to support adaptation.
It does not replace training.

3. Safety Considerations

In this study:

• No serious adverse effects reported.

• Intensity was adjusted to tolerance.

• Supervised environment.

People should consult a professional if they have:

• Heart conditions

• Implanted electrical devices

• Neurological conditions

• Pregnancy

• Recent surgery

4. Realistic Expectations

EMS may:

• Support muscle activation

• Enhance strength adaptations

• Complement training

It does not:

• Replace skill training

• Guarantee performance outcomes

• Produce identical results for everyone

What Does This Mean for Someone Already Using EMS?

Consistency matters.

In this study:

• 3 sessions per week

• 4 weeks

• Structured protocol

Improvements were gradual.

EMS works by:

• Creating controlled muscle contractions

• Stimulating neuromuscular adaptation

• Supporting strength development

Understanding the difference:

If your goal is muscle activation or strength support, EMS is the appropriate category.

🔵 VERY DETAILED RESEARCH SUMMARY TABLE

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🔴  DISCLAIMER 

This article is provided strictly for educational and informational purposes only.

It does not constitute medical advice.
It does not provide diagnosis.
It does not provide treatment recommendations.
It does not make therapeutic claims.

The information presented is based on interpretation of published research and may not apply to all individuals.

ORIEMS FIT does not claim to cure, prevent, treat, reverse, or manage any medical condition.

Results observed in research settings may not be replicated in consumer environments.

Individual responses to EMS vary.

Readers are responsible for their own health decisions.

Consult a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any new exercise, rehabilitation, or electrical stimulation program.

Do not use EMS devices if contraindicated, including but not limited to:

• Pacemakers or implanted electrical devices

• Epilepsy

• Pregnancy

• Active malignancy

• Severe cardiovascular disease

This content complies with Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) advertising standards.

No therapeutic claims are made.

ORIEMS FIT is not affiliated with the authors, universities, or journals referenced.

No endorsement of ORIEMS FIT products by the researchers should be inferred.

The research discussed does not imply specific outcomes from use of any commercial device.

ORIEMS FIT assumes no liability for misuse of products.

ORIEMS FIT assumes no liability for interpretation or application of this content.

This blog does not replace professional care.

Reproduction of this content without permission is not granted.

For full context and methodology, readers are encouraged to review the original study directly:

https://journals.lww.com/nsca-jscr/abstract/2003/08000/Effects_of_Electromyostimulation_Training_and.25.aspx

If you value evidence-based education, we encourage you to read the full paper and continue learning.

Informed decisions lead to better long-term outcomes.

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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