Welcome to another edition of the ORIEMS FIT Research Digest Blog Series, where we dive into fascinating studies that inspire curiosity and empower you with knowledge about the latest advancements in health and recovery.

Today, we explore an intriguing research study on how Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) aids recovery in baseball pitchers—a technique that could offer insights for anyone interested in fitness or muscle recovery.

(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 is this research about?

This study, titled "Effects of Three Recovery Protocols on Range of Motion, Heart Rate, Rating of Perceived Exertion, and Blood Lactate in Baseball Pitchers During a Simulated Game," focuses on comparing three recovery methods: Passive Recovery, Active Recovery (AR), and Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS). The goal was to understand how these methods impact muscle recovery during and after a baseball game.

Who conducted this research and where?

• Researchers: Courtney D. Warren, David J. Szymanski, and Merrill R. Landers.
• Institutions: Louisiana Tech University and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas—renowned institutions known for their advanced sports science programs.
• Country: United States.
• Funding: Details about the funding weren’t disclosed, but the credibility of the universities adds significant weight to the study.

Who participated in the study?

The research was conducted on 21 Division I intercollegiate baseball pitchers aged 19–24 years, representing some of the most elite young athletes in the sport.

What methods were used?

The pitchers underwent:

• Simulated five-inning games where they threw up to 70 fastballs per game at 95% effort.
• Three recovery protocols after each inning:
  1. Passive Recovery: Resting in a seated position.
  2. Active Recovery (AR): Light pedaling on an upper-body ergometer.
  3. EMS Recovery: Muscle stimulation using a device targeting key pitching muscles.

Researchers measured:

• Blood Lactate Levels: To check how well muscles cleared waste products.
• Heart Rate: As an indicator of physical stress.
• Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE): How hard the pitchers felt they were working.

What did they find?

EMS produced the most effective recovery results, surpassing both passive and active recovery.

• Positive Findings in Simple Terms: EMS significantly reduced blood lactate levels, which is a marker of muscle fatigue. This means the muscles recovered faster and more efficiently. Additionally, EMS didn’t increase heart rate, allowing the body to rest while aiding muscle recovery.

Supporting Evidence: The Numbers and Data

1. Blood Lactate Reduction:

   • After 6 minutes of recovery, pitchers using EMS showed an average decrease of 2.5 mmol/L in blood lactate levels.
   • This was 33% lower than active recovery and 20% lower than passive recovery.

2. Heart Rate Decreased:

   • EMS recovery kept heart rates at an average of 84 beats per minute (bpm) during recovery, compared to 96 bpm for active recovery and 82 bpm for passive recovery.
   • This shows that EMS supports muscle recovery without straining the cardiovascular system.

3. Perceived Effort: 

   • Pitchers rated EMS recovery as “very easy” on the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion scale, with an average score of 1.5, compared to 2.8 for active recovery and 2.1 for passive recovery.

4. Preference: EMS was the most preferred recovery method

   • 86% (18 out of 21 pitchers) chose EMS as their favorite recovery method, citing it as more comfortable and effective.

Why does this matter?

When muscles work hard, they produce lactic acid, leading to fatigue and soreness.

Clearing this quickly can enhance performance and reduce the risk of injury.

EMS stimulates muscles, helping flush out lactic acid efficiently without extra strain on the heart or muscles.

How can EMS help you?

Even if you're not a baseball player, EMS can:

• Boost recovery after workouts by clearing waste products from muscles.
• Reduce muscle soreness so you can train more consistently.
• Support better blood flow, promoting overall muscle health.
  

What’s next?

Could EMS be your secret weapon for faster recovery?

Imagine feeling less sore after workouts or recovering quicker for your next game or gym session.

Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

What do you think—have you tried EMS? Would you recommend it to a friend?

About ORIEMS FIT Research Digest

We aim to inspire curiosity and self-learning by sharing research that bridges science and practical use. Follow our blog for more insights, and share this post with someone who could benefit from faster muscle recovery!

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational and recreational purposes only. Always consult with a healthcare professional before trying new treatments. Learn more about our disclaimer here.