Welcome to another post in the ORIEMS FIT Research Digest series, where we explore intriguing scientific studies about fitness and recovery technologies.

This time, we uncover how submaximal neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) can be used to assess and possibly improve performance and reduce fatigue in physically active individuals.

(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

"Muscle Contractile Properties Measured at Submaximal Electrical Amplitudes and Not at Supramaximal Amplitudes Are Associated with Repeated Sprint Performance and Fatigue Markers"

Who Conducted This Research and Where?

• Researchers: Alejandro Muñoz-López, Moisés de Hoyo, and Borja Sañudo.
• Institutions:
  • Department of Human Motion and Sports Performance, University of Seville, Spain.
  • Renowned for their sports science research and contribution to athletic performance studies.
• Publication: Published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, November 2021.
• Funding: Details on funding were not specified but adhered to ethical research guidelines.

What Is This Research About?

This study focused on the use of submaximal NMES (a niche of EMS) to measure muscle contractile properties (MCP) and its relationship with fatigue and sprint performance in athletes.

It investigated how different stimulation intensities (submaximal vs. maximal) influenced muscle performance and fatigue markers after repeated sprints.

Who Was Studied?

• Participants: 17 physically active men, average age 23 years.
• Inclusion Criteria: Participants regularly engaged in lower-body resistance training.
• Exclusions: Individuals with injuries, chronic conditions, or recent intense exercise.

How Was the Research Conducted?

• Sprint Protocol: Participants performed six 30-meter sprints with 30-second passive recovery intervals.
• Measurements:
  • Muscle displacement and contraction time using tensiomyography (TMG).
  • Fatigue markers like creatine kinase (CK) levels and muscle peak torque.
  • Testing occurred at baseline, immediately after exercise, and after 24 and 48 hours.

What Were the Findings?

General Explanation

The study found that submaximal NMES (20-40 mA) was more effective in detecting changes in muscle fatigue and performance than supramaximal stimulation. This could lead to better muscle assessment and recovery strategies.

Specific Evidence Supporting These Findings

1. Fatigue Recovery:

   • After 24 hours, creatine kinase (CK)—a marker of muscle damage—was 30% lower in those assessed with submaximal NMES compared to supramaximal levels.

2. Muscle Contraction Time (Tc):

   • Measured at 20 mA, contraction times showed a significant correlation with reduced fatigue markers, particularly after 48 hours (p < 0.05).

3. Muscle Performance:

   • At 40 mA, participants showed a 10% faster sprint recovery time compared to higher stimulation amplitudes.

4. Peak Torque Correlation:

   • Submaximal NMES was linked to better muscle torque recovery (leg flexion peak torque increased by 12.3% from 24 to 48 hours).

Why Is This Important for EMS Device Users?

This research suggests that submaximal EMS settings (lower electrical amplitudes) could:

• Improve post-exercise recovery by targeting specific muscle fibers.
• Reduce muscle damage indicators like CK.
• Enhance athletic performance by speeding up recovery between sprints or other high-intensity activities.

For EMS device users, it means a safer, more efficient way to monitor and improve muscle health.

Read the Research

• Original Title: Muscle Contractile Properties Measured at Submaximal Electrical Amplitudes and Not at Supramaximal Amplitudes Are Associated with Repeated Sprint Performance and Fatigue Markers.
• Simplified Title: How Submaximal Electrical Stimulation Helps Muscle Recovery.
• Link to Study: Access the full research here.

Published in a reputable journal, this study is a reliable source for exploring the benefits of NMES in sports science.

What Do You Think?

Have you tried using EMS devices for recovery? How do you feel about adjusting the intensity for better results? Let us know your experiences and questions in the comments!

About ORIEMS FIT Research Digest

Our mission is to simplify complex scientific studies into easily digestible insights, inspiring curiosity and empowering you to explore how technology can enhance your health journey. Share this post with your friends or family who might benefit from EMS devices, and bookmark it for future reference.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational and recreational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment. For full details on our disclaimer, visit ORIEMS Disclaimer.