How EMS Boosts Muscle Strength and Red Blood Cell Health: A Breakthrough from Germany’s #1 Sports University

person Savannah Martin
calendar_today Nov 17, 2024
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At ORIEMS FIT, we aim to inspire curiosity and help you discover groundbreaking studies about health and fitness.

Today, we explore a fascinating study about whole-body Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) and how it impacts your body's strength and oxygen supply.

(Scroll to the end of each post to find a link to the original study, often with full PDFs—perfect for building your research collection.)

What’s This Research About?

Original Research Article Name:
Influence of Whole-Body Electrostimulation on Human Red Blood Cell Deformability

Who Did This Research and When?

Authors: Andre Filipovic, Heinz Kleinöder, Denise Plück, Wildor Hollmann, Wilhelm Bloch, and Marijke Grau
Institute: German Sport University Cologne, a world leader in sports science, based in Cologne, Germany.
Publication Year: 2015

This study is particularly relevant because the German Sport University Cologne is ranked as the #1 university for sports science in Germany.

The findings were published in the prestigious Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research.

What Is This Research About?

The study focused on how whole-body EMS (WB-EMS) affects two key areas:

Muscle strength: Does EMS improve the maximum force your muscles can generate?
Oxygen flow: Can EMS make your blood cells better at delivering oxygen to your muscles?

Who Was Involved?

The study involved 15 professional soccer players competing in Germany's fourth division. They were divided into two groups:

EMS Group (EG): Used whole-body EMS during their training.
Training Group (TG): Did the same exercises without EMS.

How Was the Research Conducted?

Over 18 weeks, the EMS group did dynamic squat jumps combined with EMS twice weekly for 14 weeks, followed by once weekly for the last 4 weeks.

Both groups were tested for:

Maximum muscle strength
Red blood cell (RBC) deformability – this measures how easily blood cells can squeeze through small vessels to deliver oxygen.

What Did They Discover?

General Positive Findings

EMS improved muscle strength and oxygen delivery by making red blood cells more flexible, helping them travel through the tiniest blood vessels.

Specific Positive Findings With Evidence

Stronger Muscles:
- After 14 weeks, the EMS group’s leg press strength increased by 43%, compared to no significant change in the training-only group.
Better Blood Flow:
- The EMS group showed a significant increase in RBC deformability (up to +22%) by week 14. Flexible blood cells mean better oxygen delivery during intense activity.
Oxygen Transport Efficiency:
- EMS boosted nitric oxide production in red blood cells, which helps them become more adaptable. This effect was measurable 30 minutes after training.
Improved Recovery:
- Enhanced RBC deformability can speed up recovery by improving oxygen supply to muscles between high-intensity exercises.

Why Does This Matter?

For Athletes: EMS can enhance strength and endurance, especially for sports like soccer that demand intense, repeated efforts.
For Fitness Enthusiasts: It’s a great way to complement regular workouts, making them more effective.
For Recovery: EMS may be beneficial for people recovering from injuries or those with limited exercise capacity.

How Can This Help EMS Users?

Using EMS devices as part of your fitness routine could:

Boost your strength significantly in just a few weeks.
Improve oxygen flow, enhancing endurance and recovery.
Complement your regular workouts without adding extra strain to your joints.

Link to Study

Research Paper Name: Influence of Whole-Body Electrostimulation on Human Red Blood Cell Deformability
Simplified Name: How EMS Improves Strength and Blood Flow
Visit the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research

This journal is a trusted source in sports science, providing evidence-based insights for athletes and enthusiasts alike.

What Do You Think?

Would you try EMS to boost your workouts? Have you experienced improvements with EMS before? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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At ORIEMS FIT, we bring you simplified insights from groundbreaking studies to inspire curiosity and help you explore new ways to improve health and fitness. Share this blog with anyone who might benefit from these findings!

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