Welcome to the ORIEMS FIT Research Digest, where we share fascinating research that inspires wellness and recovery. Today, we’ll discuss how electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) might help maintain muscle health, based on a study conducted by Hiroshima University.
(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.)
Introduction
Muscle atrophy—when muscles shrink from lack of use—can happen quickly, especially for individuals with conditions like neuromyelitis optica (NMO). This study looked at whether EMS could help patients with paralyzed muscles prevent muscle loss. The results provide clear numbers that show how EMS might make a difference.
Study Overview
Study Title: Electrical Muscle Stimulation Intervention in the Acute Phase of Neuromyelitis Optica
Researchers: Kana Michiue and Yuichi Nishikawa
Institution: Hiroshima University, Japan
Published In: SAGE Open Medical Case Reports
Link To Study
What Did the Study Find?
Two patients with NMO-related paralysis were treated with EMS for 20 minutes a day, five days a week. The researchers measured the thickness of their quadriceps muscle (on the thigh) and tracked changes over time.
Results for Patient 1 (34 EMS Sessions):
- Muscle thickness before EMS: 22.0 mm
- Muscle thickness after EMS: 22.5 mm
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Change: An increase of 0.5 mm, or 2.3% muscle growth.
This small growth is significant because muscle shrinkage (atrophy) was expected without EMS.
Results for Patient 2 (11 EMS Sessions):
- Muscle thickness before EMS: 26.1 mm
- Muscle thickness after EMS: 25.5 mm
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Change: A decrease of 0.6 mm, or 2.3% muscle loss.
Even with a slight decrease, the muscle loss was minimal compared to what typically occurs with complete paralysis and inactivity.
Improvements in Everyday Function:
Both patients also showed major gains in their ability to perform daily activities:
- Patient 1: A 142% improvement in daily activity scores (Barthel Index increased from 35 to 85).
- Patient 2: A 63% improvement in daily activity scores (Barthel Index increased from 55 to 90).
Why These Numbers Matter
This study proves that EMS can help maintain muscle health, even under severe conditions. Without EMS, muscles often shrink by 5–10% in just a few days of inactivity. For Patient 1, EMS not only stopped muscle loss but even added 0.5 mm of thickness—a small yet meaningful improvement.
For Patient 2, EMS helped limit muscle loss to only 2.3%, far better than the significant shrinkage that usually occurs without any intervention. These results hint at how EMS might benefit anyone recovering from injury or inactivity.
What This Means for You
These findings align with the experiences of many EMS users, who report faster recovery, less muscle soreness, and better day-to-day strength. Imagine how EMS could support your muscle health during recovery or periods of reduced activity.
Inspired by Science
At ORIEMS FIT, we’re inspired by research like this. While our devices are not medical tools, we aim to provide innovative wellness solutions that help you feel your best.
What’s Your Take?
Do you think EMS could help in everyday recovery or wellness? Share your thoughts in the comments, or explore more research stories on our blog.
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