At Oriems Fit Research Digest, we regularly share interesting and legitimate research about electrical muscle stimulation (EMS).
Our goal is simple: spark curiosity and help people learn for themselves.

We always link the original research at the end of every post. If you enjoy reading studies, checking facts, or downloading full PDFs, you can go straight to the source.

Who Did This Research and When?

This research was conducted by a medical research team from the Kurume University School of Medicine (Japan), in collaboration with University of Kansas Medical Center (USA)

The study was completed in 2016 and published in PM&R, a peer-reviewed medical journal used by rehabilitation doctors and researchers worldwide.

The study was also supported by National Institutes of Health (NIH)-linked grants, which adds another layer of credibility.

What Was This Research About?

The researchers wanted to answer one clear question:

Can combining EMS with active movement reduce knee pain and improve function better than exercise alone?

They focused on people who:

• Had knee pain

• Were at risk of knee osteoarthritis

• Found heavy exercise difficult or uncomfortable

Who Was Studied?

• 42 women

• Ages 44 to 85

• All had at least one risk factor for knee osteoarthritis:

  • Ongoing knee pain

  • Previous knee injury or surgery

  • Overweight or obesity

What Type of EMS Was Used?

The study used neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES).

This is a form of EMS designed to activate muscles that are hard to contract normally, especially when pain limits movement.

How Was the Study Done?

Participants were randomly placed into two groups for 12 weeks:

Group 1: Low-Load Exercise Only

• Light resistance knee exercises

• No electrical stimulation

Group 2: EMS + Active Movement (Hybrid Training)

• EMS applied to thigh muscles

• Participants actively moved their knees at the same time

• EMS stimulated opposing muscles to create gentle resistance

Both groups trained twice per week.

What Did the Researchers Find?

✅ Knee Pain Improved in BOTH Groups

• Knee pain scores improved by:

  • 14.1 points in the exercise-only group

  • 11.9 points in the EMS + movement group

• Both improvements were statistically significant

This means EMS combined with movement reduced knee pain, but not more than exercise alone.

✅ Walking Became Faster

• 20-meter walking time improved in both groups:

  • 1.60 seconds faster in the EMS + movement group

  • 0.95 seconds faster in the exercise-only group

This suggests better walking ability and confidence.

✅ Muscle Strength Increased

• Thigh muscle strength increased in both groups

• EMS helped activate muscles without heavy joint loading

• Particularly useful for people who cannot tolerate high-load exercise

What Does This Mean in Simple Language?

• Yes, combining EMS with movement can reduce knee pain

• Yes, it helps improve walking and muscle function

• But, it was not superior to gentle exercise alone

This tells us something important:

EMS can be a useful support tool when movement is difficult — not a replacement for movement.

Why Could EMS Be Helpful for Knee Pain?

According to this research, EMS may help by:

• Activating muscles when pain limits effort

• Reducing stress on the knee joint

• Supporting movement without heavy loads

• Helping people stay active when exercise feels hard

How Might This Help EMS Users?

For people with knee pain:

• EMS can support light movement routines

• It may help people stay consistent

• It may help maintain muscle activity during low-impact movement like walking

Study Information

Original Research Title:
Evaluation of the Combined Application of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation and Volitional Contractions on Thigh Muscle Strength, Knee Pain, and Physical Performance

Simplified Name:
Does Combining EMS With Movement Help Reduce Knee Pain?

Source:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6719317/pdf/nihms-1045203.pdf

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Summary Table

Join the Conversation

Have you tried light movement with EMS support?
Do you find walking easier with muscle activation?

Leave a comment and share your experience.

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knee pain
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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.
Full disclaimer: https://oriems.fit/blogs/research-digest/disclaimer