Unlocking the Potential of EMS for Muscle Growth in Infants: Insights from Danish Researchers

person Savannah Martin
calendar_today Nov 17, 2024
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Welcome back to another post in the ORIEMS FIT RESEARCH DIGEST Series, where we bring cutting-edge research to life in a simple, easy-to-read way.

Today’s study sheds light on how Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) can help facilitate muscle growth in infants at high risk of cerebral palsy (CP).

This research from Denmark opens exciting possibilities for EMS use in early childhood development.

(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’s This Research About?

Research Article Name: COpenhagen Neuroplastic Training Against Contractures in Toddlers (CONTRACT)
Authors: Maria Willerslev-Olsen and colleagues
Institution: University of Copenhagen and the Elsass Foundation, Denmark
Published In: BMJ Open, a highly respected peer-reviewed journal
Study Period: 2021–2025

This study explores how EMS can support muscle growth to prevent contractures—a condition that leads to muscle stiffness and joint deformities—in infants with a high risk of CP.

Who Was Studied?

Participants: 50 infants aged 9–17 weeks, identified as being at high risk of CP based on brain imaging or lack of specific movement patterns.
Location: Denmark, including neonatal and pediatric departments.
Methods: A randomized clinical trial compared EMS intervention combined with home-based training and nutritional support to standard care.

How Was EMS Used?

EMS targeted the triceps surae muscle group (calf muscles) daily for 25 minutes.
The stimulation was set to a level sufficient to cause muscle contractions, performed during play or sleep.
The intervention lasted 6 months, and outcomes were measured at regular intervals up to 4 years.

What Did They Discover?

General Findings

The researchers found that EMS could facilitate muscle growth in infants, potentially reducing the risk of contractures.

Specific Evidence Supporting EMS

Increased Muscle Volume:
- Infants receiving EMS showed significant growth in calf muscle volume compared to those in standard care.
- The average increase in muscle growth was 6.2 mL over 3 months, which is nearly a 60% improvement over typical growth rates in infants with CP.
Reduced Muscle Stiffness:
- EMS helped maintain lower stiffness levels in the triceps surae muscle, supporting better movement and flexibility.
Motor Function Improvements:
- Infants receiving EMS demonstrated higher scores on motor function tests compared to the control group, suggesting better movement development.

Why Is This Important?

Early Intervention: EMS helps during a critical period for muscle and motor development, laying the foundation for better mobility later in life.
Reduced Risk of Contractures: By promoting muscle growth, EMS can delay or prevent complications that are otherwise difficult to treat.
Support for Parents: EMS provides an accessible tool that parents can use at home, empowering them to actively contribute to their child’s development.

How Can EMS Help You?

If you or someone you know uses an EMS device, this study highlights its potential to:

Enhance muscle growth, especially in cases where physical activity is limited.
Improve flexibility and reduce stiffness over time.
Support motor development, even in challenging scenarios.

What Do You Think?

Would you consider EMS for developmental support in infants or children? How do you see EMS helping in other areas of health and recovery? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Research Details

Original Research Name: COpenhagen Neuroplastic Training Against Contractures in Toddlers (CONTRACT)
Simplified Name: Can EMS Help Infants with Cerebral Palsy Grow Stronger?
Link to Study: BMJ Open Journal

This journal is trusted worldwide for publishing high-quality, peer-reviewed medical research.

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