Welcome to another post in the ORIEMS FIT Research Digest series! Each week, we bring you fascinating research to inspire curiosity and deepen your understanding of how cutting-edge technologies can improve fitness and recovery.
Today, we’re exploring a study that investigates the effects of Personal Low-Frequency Stimulation (PLS) devices on chronic muscle pain, also known as myalgia.
(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.)
Research Title
Effects of Personal Low-Frequency Stimulation Device on Myalgia: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Who Conducted This Research and Where?
- Researchers: Yong-Soon Yoon, Myoung-Hwan Ko, Il-Young Cho, and others.
-
Institutions:
- Presbyterian Medical Center, Jeonju, Korea.
- Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Korea.
- Yonsei University, Wonju, Korea.
- Location: Korea
- Reputation: These are prestigious institutions with significant contributions to health and rehabilitation sciences.
What Was This Research About?
This study focused on testing a Personal Low-Frequency Stimulation (PLS) device as a pain relief tool for people suffering from chronic muscle pain in areas like the neck, shoulder, back, and waist.
It compared the effectiveness of PLS with conventional physical therapy (PT), which combines ultrasound (US) and Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation .
Who Were the Participants?
- Participants: 39 adult women aged 18–70 with chronic muscle pain lasting at least three months.
- Groups: Divided into two groups—20 participants used the PLS device, while 19 underwent conventional physical therapy.
How Was the Research Conducted?
- Duration: 3 weeks.
- Frequency: Five 20-minute sessions per week.
-
Measurements: Researchers assessed pain using:
- Surface Electromyography (sEMG): Tracks muscle activity.
- Visual Analog Scale (VAS): Measures pain intensity.
- Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ): Analyzes pain descriptions.
What Were the Findings?
1. General Positive Explanation
The PLS device was found to significantly reduce muscle activity and alleviate pain. Its effectiveness was comparable to traditional physical therapy techniques, showing promise as a non-invasive, home-based treatment option for chronic muscle pain.
2. Specific Evidence Supporting These Findings
-
Muscle Activity Reduction (sEMG):
- Neck: Muscle activity decreased by 45.3% (p = 0.0425).
- Shoulder: Muscle activity reduced by 40.8% (p = 0.0425).
- Back: Muscle activity fell by 51.6% (p = 0.0046).
-
Pain Intensity (VAS):
- PLS group pain scores dropped from 5.5 to 3.4 on average—a 38.2% reduction.
- Physical therapy group scores improved similarly, from 4.8 to 3.2.
-
Pain Description (SF-MPQ):
- The PLS group’s adjusted score was 5.23, compared to 6.23 for the physical therapy group, highlighting better overall pain relief.
-
Safety:
- No side effects or discomfort were reported during the study, demonstrating the device's safety for home use.
Why Could Low-Frequency Stimulation Help With Muscle Pain?
Low-frequency stimulation works by:
- Improving blood circulation: Helps muscles relax and heal.
- Blocking pain signals: Reduces discomfort through nerve stimulation.
- Stimulating endorphin release: Your body’s natural painkillers.
These mechanisms make it an excellent non-pharmacological option for managing chronic pain.
How Could This Study Help EMS Device Users?
If you use an EMS or related device, this study shows how:
- Regular use can help reduce chronic muscle pain.
- Home-based devices provide effective and convenient treatment.
- EMS is a safe and non-invasive way to manage pain without medications.
Read the Research
- Original Research Title: Effects of Personal Low-Frequency Stimulation Device on Myalgia: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
- Simplified Title: How Low-Frequency Stimulation Helps Relieve Chronic Pain.
- Link to Study: Click here to access the research.
Published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, this peer-reviewed journal ensures the study’s reliability.
Enhance your fitness and relaxation routine with EMS technology trusted by over 10,000 Aussies.
Proudly chosen from 68,000+ nominees.
🏆 Voted Year’s Best two years in a row (2024 & 2025).
Click above to check availability.
Disclaimer: This product is designed for general wellness and fitness purposes only. It is not a medical device and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
For Research Digest , all social media channels
About ORIEMS FIT RESEARCH DIGEST
At ORIEMS FIT, we bring you simplified insights from groundbreaking studies to inspire curiosity and help you explore new ways to improve health and fitness. Share this blog with anyone who might benefit from these findings!
Important Disclaimer
The information provided on this website, including all blog posts and content, is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. This information does not constitute medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical consultation.
Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before:
- Starting any new treatment or supplement regimen
- Making changes to your current healthcare routine
- If you have questions about your health or medical conditions
Our products are not medical devices and have not been evaluated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Individual results may vary.
For our complete terms and conditions, please visit our full Disclaimer page. . For full details, visit our Disclaimer.
