Stretching Works. Stretching + EMS Works Even Better. Nagoya University Shows the Difference
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.
The Research Story
This study comes from Nagoya University in Japan, published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research in 2019.
Researchers tested 31 young adults to see if combining Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) with static stretching would deliver bigger benefits than stretching alone.
Participants were split into:
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Stretching + EMS group (calf stretches with EMS applied)
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Stretch-only group (just stretching)
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Control group (did nothing)
The program: 4 sets of 30-second stretches, 3 times a week, for 8 weeks.
What Did They Discover?
Both stretching groups improved, but the EMS group pulled ahead — even if just slightly.
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Flexibility: The Stretch + EMS group improved ankle flexibility by 14%, compared to 13% in the stretching-only group. That’s like being able to bend your ankle just a bit deeper — enough to notice in sports or daily life.
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Muscle Thickness: Calf muscle size grew by 5.8% with EMS vs 5.0% with stretching only. Small numbers, but think of it as a firmer, stronger calf in just 8 weeks of light effort.
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Strength: One-leg calf raise strength improved by 22% in the EMS group vs 20% in the stretching-only group. Again, a small edge, but in performance terms that’s like squeezing out an extra rep or carrying a little more load upstairs.
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Muscle Fiber Adaptation: The EMS group showed slight changes in pennation angle (the way fibers align for strength) — a sign the muscle was adapting under higher stimulation.
Even though the numbers look close, what’s important is this: EMS helped every result lean higher. The edge may be small, but consistent — and in science, small edges often add up to real-world advantages.
Why Does This Matter?
For athletes: Even a tiny boost in flexibility and muscle thickness can mean smoother movement and reduced injury risk. EMS gave that extra push here.
For everyday people: Adding EMS to a short stretching routine means you get more out of the same 2 minutes of effort, stacking progress faster.
For busy workers: If you only have time for stretching, that’s good — but if you can add EMS, you’re squeezing more benefits out of the same time slot.
Study Summary Table
| Question | Simple Answer |
|---|---|
| Who did it? | Nagoya University, Japan (2019) |
| Who took part? | 31 young adults (18–20 years old) |
| What did they test? | Stretching with EMS vs Stretching alone |
| How often? | 4 × 30 sec stretches, 3 days/week, for 8 weeks |
| Main results? | Both groups improved — EMS group had slightly higher gains |
| Flexibility gain? | +14% (EMS) vs +13% (Stretch only) |
| Muscle growth? | +5.8% (EMS) vs +5.0% (Stretch only) |
| Strength gain? | +22% (EMS) vs +20% (Stretch only) |
| Why care? | EMS made every result a little bit better |
Research Reference
Mizuno, T. (2019). Combined effects of static stretching and electrical stimulation on joint range of motion and muscle strength. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 33(10), 2694–2703.
Read the full study here
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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.
Call to Discussion
Would you add EMS to your stretching routine if it gave even a small edge? Sometimes the tiniest improvements add up to the biggest wins. Share your thoughts — we’d love to hear your take.
