Welcome back to ORIEMS FIT Research Digest, where we simplify scientific breakthroughs to spark curiosity and self-learning.

We frequently bring new studies to help you stay informed about the latest advancements in health and fitness.

(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.)

Electromyostimulation (EMS) has been gaining attention from athletes and researchers for its potential to improve muscle strength and performance.

Today, we're looking at a study from the University of Burgundy on how EMS might help athletes, especially basketball players, build muscle strength and improve jumping skills.

(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.)

What Was the Research About?

The study, titled:  "The Effects of Electromyostimulation Training and Basketball Practice on Muscle Strength and Jumping Ability," involved twenty basketball players from the French Basketball Federation League.

The research, conducted by Nicola Maffiuletti and his team, aimed to find out if EMS could boost knee strength and improve jump performance.

The study lasted eight weeks, with four weeks of EMS training followed by four weeks of regular basketball training.

How Was the Study Conducted?

The researchers split the players into two groups.

One group did EMS training along with regular basketball practice, while the other group only practiced basketball.

The EMS group trained three times per week, with each session involving 48 muscle contractions.

Throughout the study, the researchers measured knee strength and jumping ability to track any changes.

What Did They Discover?

The results were promising.

After four weeks of EMS training:

• Knee Strength: Players who did EMS training showed a 29% increase in eccentric strength and a 43% increase in concentric strength at high speeds.

• Jumping Ability: Squat jump performance improved by 14% after four weeks of EMS.

The counter-movement jump (CMJ) didn't change during the EMS phase but improved by 17% after four more weeks of regular basketball practice.

These findings suggest that EMS can help athletes improve their strength and explosive movements, like jumping, which are crucial in basketball.

What Does This Mean for EMS Users?

This research suggests that EMS could be a great addition to regular training for athletes wanting to boost muscle strength and performance.

Many EMS users have reported stronger muscles and quicker recovery, which aligns with this study.

If you want to enhance your performance without replacing your usual workouts, EMS could be worth trying.

Why Should You Trust This Study?

The research was conducted by experienced scientists from reputable institutions, like the University of Burgundy and Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.

It was published in the International Journal of Sports Medicine, adding credibility to the benefits of EMS for strength and performance.

You can read more about the study here.

What Do You Think About EMS for Athletic Training?

Could EMS be a game-changer for athletes?

We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments. If you’re curious about how EMS might work for you, feel free to explore our other blog posts on similar topics.

Disclaimer
Our blog posts are for informational is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional about your health.