Welcome to ORIEMS Fit Research Digest!

We bring you fascinating studies to inspire curiosity and help you understand science in a simple way. Today, we’ll discuss a groundbreaking study on how electrical muscle stimulation can help people recover faster from Bell’s palsy, a condition that causes facial paralysis.

This research highlights how technology and therapy come together to improve lives—and it’s exciting to learn how science works to make us healthier!

What Was Studied?

Research Paper Name: Efficacy of Adding Selective Electrical Muscle Stimulation to Usual Physical Therapy for Bell’s Palsy: Immediate and Six-Month Outcomes.

Who Conducted It?
This study was carried out by scientists from institutions like Oregon Health & Science University in the USA and Universidad Nacional del Nordeste in Argentina. These universities are known for their research excellence, especially in rehabilitation and neurology.

When and Where?
The study was conducted from 2017 to 2018 and took place in Argentina at the Kinesiology Department of Universidad Nacional del Nordeste.

What Is Bell’s Palsy?
Bell’s palsy is the most common cause of facial paralysis, affecting about 1 in 60 people in their lifetime. It can make it hard to smile, blink, or even eat properly. Recovery can take weeks or months, and some people experience long-term issues like muscle spasms or difficulty controlling their facial muscles.

Key Findings

1. Faster Recovery Times

   • Participants who received electrical stimulation recovered twice as fast as those who only did physical therapy.
     • With electrical stimulation: Recovery in 2.5 weeks on average.
     • Without electrical stimulation: Recovery in 5.2 weeks on average.
   • That’s a difference of 2.7 weeks—an impressive acceleration!

2. Improved Facial Function

   • At the six-month follow-up, both groups showed similar facial movement abilities.
   • Facial scores (measured by a special tool called the eFACE scale) improved faster in the electrical stimulation group.

3. No Increase in Risks

   • Concerns about electrical stimulation worsening muscle spasms or unwanted movements (synkinesis) were proven wrong. The study found no increase in these issues even six months after treatment.

4. Specific Therapy Details

   • Electrical stimulation targeted specific muscles, like the ones controlling smiling and blinking.
   • The therapy involved applying gentle pulses to affected areas for 20 minutes per session, five days a week.

Why Does This Matter?

Electrical stimulation helps keep muscles active while they heal, preventing them from becoming too weak. It also improves nerve recovery, making it easier for patients to regain control of their facial muscles.

Who Participated in the Study?

• Participants: 38 adults with Bell’s palsy.
• Treatment Groups:
  • 20 participants received physical therapy with electrical stimulation.
  • 18 participants received physical therapy alone.

What Does This Mean for EMS Users?
If you use an EMS device, this study shows that electrical stimulation can help muscles recover faster, especially after injuries or conditions like Bell’s palsy. While this research focuses on facial muscles, it demonstrates the broader potential of EMS technology to improve muscle function and speed up recovery times.

Source and Trustworthiness
This study was published in a peer-reviewed journal, the European Journal of Translational Myology. Peer-reviewed means experts checked and approved the findings, so you can trust the data.

You can read the full study here.

About ORIEMS Fit Research Digest
At ORIEMS Fit, we believe learning never stops. Through our Research Digest, we simplify complex science into bite-sized pieces so everyone can learn something new. We hope this inspires you to explore more about EMS and its amazing benefits!

Disclaimer
This blog is for informational recreational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. Always talk to your healthcare provider before starting any new treatments. For our full disclaimer, visit here.

Relevant Topics to Explore

• Electrical stimulation benefits.
• EMS for recovery.
• How EMS supports muscle health.

Stay curious, and we’ll see you in the next ORIEMS Fit Research Digest!