"What Makes EMS Training Special? A Study from Yonsei University Explains It All!"

Welcome to the ORIEMS FIT Research Digest, where we make science easy to understand and share amazing discoveries every week! Today, we’re looking at a study from Yonsei University in South Korea about how EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) can help strengthen your thigh muscles. Let’s break it down!

What’s This Research About?

Original Title: Effect of Electrical Muscle Stimulation Training With and Without Superimposed Voluntary Contraction on Rectus Femoris and Vastus Intermedius Thickness and Knee Extension Strength
Authors: Young-soo Weon, Jun-hee Kim, Gyeong-tae Gwak, Do-eun Lee, and Oh-yun Kwon

Where Was This Study Done?
This research was conducted at Yonsei University in South Korea, one of the most prestigious universities in Asia. The study focused on improving muscle strength and size using EMS, with or without extra effort like squats.

When?
The study was completed in 2022 and published in the scientific journal Physical Therapy Korea.

Why Trust This Study?
The research was funded by the Brain Korea 21 FOUR Project, ensuring it met the highest standards. The team followed ethical guidelines and used advanced tools for accurate results.

Why Did They Do This Study?

The researchers wanted to find out:

• Does EMS alone make muscles bigger and stronger?
• Can combining EMS with voluntary exercises, like squats, offer better results?

Who Participated?

The study included 30 healthy adults, both men and women, aged 25 to 27. They had no medical issues and were divided into two groups:

• EMS Group: Used EMS alone.
• ST Group (Superimposed Technique): Used EMS while performing squats.

How Was EMS Training Done?

1. EMS Only Group:

   • Participants used an EMS device on their thighs for 23 minutes twice daily.
   • The device delivered safe electrical signals to contract the muscles.

2. EMS + Squat Group (ST):

   • Used the same EMS device.
   • Added 10 half-squats during the first 4 weeks and 15 squats in the next 4 weeks.

What Did They Measure?

• Muscle Thickness: How big the thigh muscles (rectus femoris and vastus intermedius) got, using ultrasound imaging.
• Knee Strength: How much force participants could generate while straightening their legs, measured with a tension sensor.

What Did They Find?

1. Bigger Thigh Muscles:

   • EMS alone increased muscle thickness by 11.8% (rectus femoris) and 13.1% (vastus intermedius).
   • Adding squats (ST) increased rectus femoris thickness by 21.7%, showing a bigger improvement.

2. Stronger Legs:

   • EMS increased knee strength by 25.9%.
   • Adding squats with EMS increased strength by 32.1%.

3. Safe and Easy:

   • No side effects or health risks were reported.

Why Is This Important?

• If you want bigger and stronger thigh muscles, EMS is a great tool.
• Adding simple exercises, like squats, while using EMS can speed up results.
• EMS can help people who can’t do intense workouts, like those recovering from injuries.

How Can This Help You?

Whether you’re looking to stay fit, build muscle, or recover strength after an injury, EMS can make your journey easier and faster. And if you’re ready to put in a little extra effort with squats, your results could be even better!

Want to Read the Full Study?

This research was published in Physical Therapy Korea, a trusted journal for health and fitness science. You can find the study here.

About ORIEMS FIT Research Digest
At ORIEMS FIT, we’re passionate about bringing you science that inspires curiosity and helps you understand your body better. Visit our blog for more!

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational and recreational purposes only and doesn’t replace professional advice. Talk to your doctor before trying new treatments. For full details, check our disclaimer.