Welcome to another installment of the ORIEMS FIT Research Digest, where we explore fascinating studies to spark curiosity and inspire self-learning.

This time, we delve into groundbreaking research that examines how combining Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) with plyometric training can lead to quicker strength gains and better performance.

(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 Article Name:

Short-Term Effect of Plyometrics and Strength Training With and Without Superimposed Electrical Stimulation on Muscle Strength and Anaerobic Performance: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Part II

Authors: Azael J. Herrero, Juan Martín, Teresa Martín, Olaia Abadía, Beatriz Fernández, and David García-López.

Who Conducted This Research and When?

This study was conducted in 2010 by researchers from:

• The European University Miguel de Cervantes, Valladolid, Spain.
• The Research Center on Physical Disability, ASPAYM Castilla y León, Spain.

These institutions are renowned for their contributions to health and sports sciences. The research was funded in part by the Junta de Castilla y León, Spain.

What Was This Study About?

The researchers aimed to compare the effects of:

1. Strength and plyometric training with superimposed EMS.
2. Strength and plyometric training without EMS.

They measured muscle strength, vertical jump performance, and sprint time to see which method worked better.

Who Participated in the Study?

The study included 29 male physical education students aged around 21 years. They were split into three groups:

• EP Group: Trained with weights, plyometrics, and EMS.
• VP Group: Trained with weights and plyometrics (no EMS).
• Control Group: Did not train.

What Methods Were Used?

The study lasted 4 weeks, with participants training 4 days per week. EMS was applied during the concentric (lifting) phase of knee extensions, using a frequency of 120 Hz.

Performance was measured before training, after training, and two weeks after stopping (detraining).

Key Findings:

1. EMS Boosted Strength Gains:

• Muscle strength increased by 28.6% in the EMS group compared to 22.3% in the non-EMS group.
• Even after stopping training, the EMS group retained higher strength levels (28.1% gain) than the non-EMS group (18% gain).

2. Sprint Performance Improved:

• After detraining, sprint times improved slightly in both training groups.

Why Is This Important?

This study shows that superimposed EMS can make strength training more effective, especially for those with limited time.

It also highlights that EMS is a complementary tool rather than a standalone solution.

How Could This Help EMS Device Users?

For users of EMS devices like the ORIEMS FIT, this research demonstrates:

• Faster and more significant strength gains when EMS is combined with traditional training.
• Improved performance even after taking a break from training.

Want to Learn More?

You can read the original research here:
Short-Term Effect of Plyometrics and Strength Training With and Without EMS

What Do You Think?

Would you consider using EMS in your workouts to save time and boost results?
Have you tried combining EMS with other exercises? Share your thoughts below!

We’d love to hear your experiences and ideas.

Join the Conversation

This blog is part of the ORIEMS FIT Research Digest series. Our mission is to inspire curiosity and encourage self-learning. Share this post with friends and family who could benefit from this knowledge, and don’t forget to explore more on our blog!

Disclaimer

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