Welcome to another post in our ORIEMS FIT Research Digest series! We’re here to share exciting research that’s easy to understand and might inspire you to learn more. Today, we’ll explain a study that looks at how combining Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) with resistance training can help athletes recover better after a common sports surgery. Remember, this blog is for curiosity and learning—it’s not medical advice.
Research Overview:
Original Title: The Effect of Resistance Training With Electrical Muscle Stimulation on Atrogin-1 and Muscle Ring Finger-1 in Elite Male Athletes After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Surgery
Authors: Abouzar Alavi, Najmeh Rezaeian, Reza Ganji, Ali Yaghoubi
Institution: Bojnourd Branch, Islamic Azad University, Iran
Published In: Scientific Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine (2022)
Who Conducted This Study?
This study was carried out in Iran at the Islamic Azad University in Bojnourd. The university is well-known for its work in sports sciences and research. The researchers were experts in muscle physiology, and the study was part of a thesis project, showing its academic rigor.
What Was the Study About?
The research explored how EMS, when combined with resistance exercises, affects muscle recovery in athletes after ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) surgery. The scientists focused on two specific proteins, atrogin-1 and MuRF1, which increase when muscles shrink (atrophy).
Who Were the Participants?
- 20 elite male athletes (volleyball, football, basketball players).
- Age Range: 18–35 years.
- All had ACL surgery and completed three months of similar physiotherapy before joining the study.
How Was the Study Done?
-
Groups: The athletes were split into two groups:
- One did resistance training with EMS (RT-EMS).
- The other did resistance training alone (RT).
- Duration: The program lasted 12 weeks.
- Exercises: Both groups performed common leg exercises like squats and knee extensions. The RT-EMS group also used EMS during the exercises, with electrodes placed on the thigh muscles.
- Measurements: Blood samples were taken before and after the program to measure the levels of atrogin-1 and MuRF1.
What Did They Find?
- RT-EMS Group: Significant reductions in atrogin-1 and MuRF1, meaning their muscles were less likely to shrink.
- RT Group: No significant changes in these proteins.
This shows that adding EMS to resistance training can provide better results for muscle recovery after surgery.
Why EMS Could Be Helpful
EMS sends electrical signals to your muscles, helping them contract even when you can’t move much. This is useful for:
- Athletes recovering from surgery.
- People with limited mobility.
- Boosting muscle strength during rehab.
How Does This Help EMS Users?
If you’re using an EMS device, studies like this suggest it can support muscle recovery when paired with exercise. While everyone’s results may vary, this research highlights how EMS could make your rehab journey smoother and more effective.
Learn More
Why Trust This Source?
The study was published in a peer-reviewed journal by respected researchers. Peer-reviewed means the research was checked by other scientists before being published, making it trustworthy.
About ORIEMS FIT Research Digest
We simplify research into easy-to-read blogs to spark your curiosity and help you learn something new. From here, you can explore further or just enjoy understanding how science impacts our daily lives!
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational and recreational purposes only. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting new treatments. For full details, visit ORIEMS FIT Disclaimer.
