Welcome to another exciting blog post from the ORIEMS FIT RESEARCH DIGEST! We’re here to bring you fascinating studies that reveal innovative ways to improve your fitness and performance.
Today’s post focuses on a study that explores how Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) can help soccer players boost their strength, kicking speed, and vertical jump height.
Whether you’re an athlete or simply curious about EMS, this blog is for you!
(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 Is This Research About?
Research Paper Name:
Effects of an Electrostimulation Training Program on Strength, Jumping, and Kicking Capacities in Soccer Players
Who Conducted This Research and Where?
This study was led by Maxime Billot, Alain Martin, Christos Paizis, Carole Cometti, and Nicolas Babault from the University of Burgundy in Dijon, France. The researchers come from prestigious institutions recognized for their excellence in sports science and rehabilitation research.
When Was This Research Conducted?
The study was published in May 2010.
Why Was This Research Done?
Soccer players require explosive movements like sprinting, jumping, and kicking.
This study investigated whether a 5-week EMS program targeting the quadriceps muscles could improve these crucial abilities.
Who Were the Participants?
- 20 amateur soccer players, aged around 20 years, from the French Football Federation.
- Participants were divided into two groups:
- EMS Group (10 players): Received EMS in addition to regular soccer training.
- Control Group (10 players): Performed only their usual soccer training.
What Methods Were Used?
-
EMS Protocol:
- EMS was applied to quadriceps muscles for 12 minutes per session, 3 times a week, for 5 weeks.
- Each session involved 36 muscle contractions using an intensity of 60–120 mA (based on participant tolerance).
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Performance Tests:
- Strength: Measured through knee extension torque during eccentric, concentric, and isometric contractions.
- Soccer Skills: Assessed kicking speed, vertical jump height, and sprint time.
What Are the Positive Findings?
General Explanation
The study found that EMS significantly improved strength, kicking speed, and jump height in just 5 weeks.
These improvements are critical for soccer performance.
Specific Evidence
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Strength Gains:
- Isometric torque increased by 27.1% after 5 weeks in the EMS group.
- Eccentric torque improved by 22.1%, and concentric torque by 23.2% at 240°/s.
-
Kicking Speed:
- Without a run-up, ball speed increased by 9.6% in the EMS group.
- With a run-up, ball speed improved by 5.6% after 5 weeks.
-
Jump Height:
- Countermovement jump (CMJ) height increased by 6.7% in the EMS group after 5 weeks.
-
Comparison to Control Group:
- The control group showed no significant improvements, highlighting the added value of EMS training.
Why EMS Is Helpful for Soccer Players
This study proves that EMS can:
- Enhance explosive strength and power for better sprinting and jumping.
- Improve ball-kicking speed for stronger, faster shots.
- Serve as a time-efficient supplement to regular training.
How This Study Helps EMS Device Users
If you’re an EMS user, here’s how to apply these findings:
- Focus on large muscle groups like the quadriceps for explosive strength.
- Use EMS 3 times a week for optimal results.
- Combine EMS with your usual training for maximum performance improvements.
What Do You Think?
Would you use EMS to improve your athletic performance?
What skills would you focus on—strength, speed, or jumping? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
Research Details
Original Research Paper Name:
Effects of an Electrostimulation Training Program on Strength, Jumping, and Kicking Capacities in Soccer Players
Simplified Name:
How EMS Boosts Soccer Skills in Just 5 Weeks
Link to Study:
Visit the Study Here
This study is published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, a trusted source for fitness and sports science studies.
About ORIEMS FIT RESEARCH DIGEST
At ORIEMS FIT, our mission is to inspire curiosity and empower you with reliable research to enhance your fitness journey. Share this post with friends or family who might find it useful, and let us know if there’s a topic you’d like us to explore in the future!
Disclaimer
This blog post is for informational and recreational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment. For full details, visit our Disclaimer.
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