Welcome to another installment of the ORIEMS FIT Research Digest! Our mission is to inspire curiosity and provide you with insights from cutting-edge research.

This week, we dive into a study that could change the way we think about fitness and health for postmenopausal women.

Conducted by esteemed researchers in Germany, this study explores the effects of Whole Body Electrical Muscle Stimulation (Whole Body EMS) on muscle strength, fat reduction, and overall body composition.

(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:

Effects of Whole-Body Electromyostimulation on Resting Metabolic Rate, Body Composition, and Maximum Strength in Postmenopausal Women: The Training and ElectroStimulation Trial

Authors: Wolfgang Kemmler, Rebecca Schliffka, Jerry L. Mayhew, Simon von Stengel

Who Conducted This Research and When?

This study was carried out by researchers at the Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany, and Truman State University, USA. The study was published in the prestigious Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research in 2010.

What Was This Research About?

The researchers wanted to find out if Whole Body Electrical Muscle Stimulation (Whole Body EMS) could help postmenopausal women improve their muscle strength, reduce fat, and maintain lean body mass more effectively than conventional exercise alone.

Who Participated in the Study?

The study involved 30 postmenopausal women aged 55 and older.

These women were already experienced in resistance training, ensuring the results reflected the true impact of Whole Body EMS.

What Methods Did They Use?

The women were divided into two groups:

• Control Group (CON): Continued their regular exercise routine (endurance and strength training twice a week).
• Whole Body EMS Group: Added a 20-minute Whole Body EMS session every 4–5 days to their regular exercise routine.

Measurements were taken before and after 14 weeks, including body composition, waist circumference, skinfold thickness, and muscle strength.

What Did They Find?

1. Improved Body Composition

• Women using Whole Body EMS saw an 8.6% reduction in skinfold thickness, compared to a slight increase in the control group. Waist circumference also decreased significantly in the Whole Body EMS group (2.3% reduction).

2. Boosted Muscle Strength

• Trunk and leg strength improved by 9.9% and 9.6% in the Whole Body EMS group, while the control group experienced decreases in these measures.

3. Maintenance of Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR)

• While the control group showed a drop in RMR, the Whole Body EMS group maintained their levels. This is important because RMR reflects the body's ability to burn calories even at rest.

Why Does This Matter?

This study highlights how EMS could be a game-changer for individuals who find traditional exercise too strenuous or are looking for a more efficient way to improve strength and reduce fat.

The findings suggest that Whole Body EMS is not only effective but also accessible, making it a practical option for healthy aging.

How Could This Help EMS Users?

For those using EMS devices like the ORIEMS FIT, this research reinforces the benefits of incorporating EMS into your fitness routine.

Whether you're focusing on core strength, pain relief, or general fitness, the science supports its effectiveness.

Want to Learn More?

You can access the full research paper here:
Effects of Whole-Body Electromyostimulation on Resting Metabolic Rate, Body Composition, and Maximum Strength

What Do You Think?

Would you consider trying EMS to improve your fitness?
Have you already experienced benefits from EMS? Share your thoughts!

We love hearing from our readers. Drop your thoughts in the comments or let us know if you'd like us to explore specific topics in future research posts.

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This blog is part of the ORIEMS FIT Research Digest, where we share exciting, science-backed insights to inspire your fitness journey.

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Disclaimer

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