At Oriems Fit Research Digest, we bring you real peer-reviewed studies from top universities — translated into simple English.
At the end of every post, you will always find the original study link, so you can read the science yourself.
Today’s study is about NMES (Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation) — and what happened after just ONE 15-minute session on the foot.
And the results? They were not small.
The Study That Tested NMES Against TENS (And Sham Stimulation)
Published in the Journal of Athletic Training (2023), researchers tested whether a single NMES session could improve:
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Foot force production
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Foot dome stability (navicular drop)
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Dynamic postural control
Participants: 46 adults (18–60 years old) with static foot pronation (flat or over-pronated feet).
They were randomly assigned to:
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NMES group (real muscle stimulation)
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Control group (sham TENS at minimal sensory level)
📌 The NMES session lasted just 15 minutes.
📌 Electrodes were placed over the intrinsic foot muscles (especially abductor hallucis).
📌 Intensity was set to highest tolerable contraction without pain.
(Study details confirmed from pages 51–59 of the published article )
What Happened After Just ONE Session?
🔹 Foot Strength
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NMES group increased MTP force by +0.9 N/kg
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Control group only +0.2 N/kg
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56.5% responders in NMES vs 21.7% control
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Relative risk increase: 160%
🔹 Foot Dome Stability (Navicular Drop)
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NMES reduced navicular drop by –1.4 mm
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Control: no change
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69.6% responders vs 17.4%
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Relative risk increase: 300%
🔹 Dynamic Postural Control
Posteromedial and posterolateral balance improved significantly in NMES group.
Most impressive finding:
👉 78% of NMES participants improved in at least 2 of 3 outcomes
👉 Only 22% in control group did.
This was after ONE session.
Why NMES — Not TENS?
TENS mainly blocks pain signals.
NMES actually:
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Causes muscle contraction
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Recruits motor units
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Improves neuromuscular activation
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May enhance proprioception
This study clearly showed NMES produced mechanical and functional improvements — not just sensory effects.
STUDY SUMMARY TABLE
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Study Title | Effects of a Single Electrical Stimulation Session on Foot Force Production, Foot Dome Stability, and Dynamic Postural Control |
| Authors | Romain Tourillon et al. |
| Institutions | University of Lyon (France), La Tour Hospital (Switzerland), Ithaca College (USA) |
| Country | Switzerland / France / USA |
| Study Design | Randomized Controlled Trial |
| Participants | 46 adults (18–60 yrs) with static foot pronation |
| Intervention | 15-min NMES session on intrinsic foot muscles |
| Control | Sham low-level TENS |
| Outcomes | Foot strength, navicular drop, star excursion balance test |
| Key Result | 78% multi-outcome responders in NMES group |
| Published In | Journal of Athletic Training (USA) |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.4085/1062-6050-0561.21 |
| Trial Registration | NCT04421794 |
| Sponsor | Not industry sponsored (University research) |
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DISCLAIMER
This article is for educational and informational purposes only.
It summarises peer-reviewed research. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations.
ORIEMS FIT products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any new therapy.
ORIEMS FIT does not claim endorsement by the study authors or institutions mentioned.
