Quick Overview

This 2025 study, published in European Geriatric Medicine, explored whether Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) could be used safely and practically in older adults recovering from fragility fractures such as hip fractures.

Researchers from the University of Nottingham and NHS hospitals tested a 6-week NMES program applied to leg muscles. The stimulation used 50 Hz frequency, 300 microsecond pulses, and gradually increased to 60 minutes per day.

They observed that more than half of participants completed the target 24 sessions, discomfort levels were low (median 2–3 out of 10), and some leg muscles showed slightly greater strength improvements.

This study focused on feasibility — not dramatic results.

ORIEMS FIT RESEARCH DIGEST

At ORIEMS FIT, we regularly share interesting scientific research to inspire curiosity and independent learning.

This article is part of our ORIEMS FIT Research Digest series, where we translate complex research into simple, readable language.

This is a simplified explanation of a real scientific study.
Links to the original published research appear at the end for readers who want to explore deeper.

How to Read This Blog

This article is a simplified educational summary of a scientific research paper.

It is written to help everyday readers understand what researchers studied and observed.

This blog post is NOT a substitute for reading the original research paper.

Important details, limitations, and full scientific context can only be found in the original publication.

Readers who want full accuracy or technical detail should read the original study directly.

Research Details (Q&A Format)

1. Who did this research and when?

This research was published online in January 2025.

It was led by Dr. Helal B. Alqurashi and colleagues from:

• University of Nottingham (UK)

• Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust

• NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre

• Queen Mary University of London

These are established academic and medical institutions in the United Kingdom.

2. Who funded the research?

The study was supported by:

• Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust

• NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre

• Taif University (Saudi Arabia)

Funding came from public and academic institutions.

3. Who was studied?

Participants were:

• Adults aged 65 years or older

• Hospitalized due to fragility fractures (mostly hip fractures)

• Median age: 79.6 years

• Mostly mildly frail (Clinical Frailty Score median 3)

• 26 out of 29 had hip fractures

Out of 1052 fracture patients, only 29 were recruited.
This is important.

4. What exactly was done?

Researchers used Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES).

NMES delivers electrical pulses through pads placed on the skin to create muscle contractions.

In this study:

• Applied to quadriceps and tibialis anterior muscles

• Frequency: 50 Hz

• Pulse duration: 300 microseconds

• 5 seconds ON / 10 seconds OFF (later progressed)

• Started at 30 minutes, 3 days per week

• Progressed toward 60 minutes per day, 5–7 days per week

• Target: 24 sessions over 6 weeks

One leg received NMES.
The other leg acted as a comparison.

Some participants continued NMES at home.

5. What was observed?

Key observations:

• 53% achieved the target 24 sessions

• Median total sessions: 25 (range 1–78)

• Maximum intensity reached:

  • Quadriceps: median 50 mA

  • Tibialis anterior: median 39 mA

• Discomfort levels were low:

  • Quadriceps median: 2/10

  • Tibialis anterior median: 3/10

• Leg strength improved in both legs

• Slightly greater improvement observed in treated tibialis anterior muscle

• 5 out of 11 participants chose to continue NMES after 6 weeks

No major safety concerns were identified.

Why This Study Is Different

Most NMES research looks at whether it improves muscle strength.

This study focused on something different:

Feasibility in real hospital fracture patients.

It asked:

Can older adults actually use NMES after hip fractures?
Can they tolerate it?
Will they continue it at home?

That makes this study about practical reality, not just theory.

Practical Interpretation (Non-Medical)

This study helps researchers understand:

• How many older fracture patients are eligible for NMES

• Whether NMES is tolerable in real hospital settings

• Whether home-based electrical stimulation is practical

• What intensity levels older adults can manage

It suggests that NMES may be possible for a minority of mildly frail fracture patients.

It also shows that larger multi-centre trials would be required to fully evaluate effectiveness.

This adds practical knowledge to the existing NMES research field.

Study Information

Original Research Title:
Feasibility within-subject RCT of neuromuscular electrical stimulation; an Intervention to Maintain and improve neuroMuscular function during period of Immobility (IMMI)

Simplified Title:
Can NMES Be Used Safely After Fragility Fractures?

Journal:
European Geriatric Medicine (2025)

DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1007/s41999-024-01133-4

Why This Source Is Trustworthy:
European Geriatric Medicine is a peer-reviewed academic journal published by Springer. Peer review means independent experts evaluate the study before publication.

Summary Table

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Engagement Question

If electrical stimulation can be used safely in older fracture patients,
how might future technology make it easier and more accessible at home?

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Disclaimer

This blog post is for informational and recreational purposes only.
It is not medical advice and not a substitute for professional guidance or the original research paper.

Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health-related decisions.

Full disclaimer:
https://oriems.fit/blogs/research-digest/disclaimer

Oriems Fit products are not medical devices.
They are designed for general wellness and fitness purposes only.

This blog post is an educational summary of a published scientific study.
Reading this blog is NOT a replacement for reading the original research paper.

If we ever forget to include the research link, please contact us and we will help you locate it.

All universities, researchers, research centres, hospitals, and publishers mentioned in this article have no affiliation with Oriems Fit and do not endorse our products.