Welcome back to another enlightening edition of the ORIEMS FIT Research Digest, where we explore exciting research to spark curiosity and inspire your fitness journey.

Today’s focus? A systematic review of electromyostimulation (EMS) that reveals the most effective ways to build strength, improve speed, and boost performance using EMS.

(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:

Electromyostimulation—A Systematic Review of the Influence of Training Regimens and Stimulation Parameters on Effectiveness in Electromyostimulation Training of Selected Strength Parameters

Authors: Andre Filipovic, Heinz Kleinöder, Ulrike Dörmann, and Joachim Mester.

Who Conducted This Research and When?

This study was conducted in 2011 by researchers at the German Sport University in Cologne, Germany, a world-renowned institution for sports science.

The Muscle Function Laboratory at this university focuses on high-performance training and innovative fitness methods.

This study is part of a two-part series exploring EMS in sports and fitness.

What Was This Study About?

The researchers analyzed 89 studies to discover the best ways to use EMS for improving strength, speed, and power.

They focused on:

1. The effectiveness of different EMS parameters (like impulse frequency and duration).
2. How EMS impacts strength for people with different fitness levels, from beginners to elite athletes.

Who Was Involved?

The study analyzed data from research participants, including:

• Untrained subjects (no regular exercise).
• Trained individuals (exercise 1–3 times per week).
• Elite athletes (systematically train more than 3 times a week).

Participants were all under 35 years of age and had no prior injuries affecting their muscles.

What Methods Were Used?

The review included studies spanning over four decades (1965–2008), with EMS applied to various muscle groups.

Researchers carefully selected trials that measured muscle strength before and after EMS use, ensuring high-quality and reliable results.

What Did They Find?

1. EMS Significantly Boosts Strength:

• Maximal strength improved by up to 32.6% for isometric exercises (static holds) and 31.6% for dynamic exercises (like squats).
• Speed strength (used in sprinting and jumping) improved by 20.5–27.7%, and power increased by a staggering 47.8%!

2. EMS Enhances Jumping and Sprinting Performance:

• Vertical jump height improved by up to 15.5% (e.g., squat jumps increased by 12.9%).
• Sprint times reduced by 2.8%, especially for trained and elite athletes.

3. Optimal EMS Parameters Were Identified:

• EMS frequency: 76.4 Hz.
• Impulse width: 306.9 microseconds.
• Intensity: At least 50% of maximum voluntary contraction (MVC).
• Best results came from sessions lasting 17.7 minutes, performed 3 times a week over a 4–6 week period.

Why Is This Important?

EMS provides an efficient way to achieve strength gains that are otherwise hard to reach with traditional training alone. It’s especially helpful for:

1. People with limited time for exercise.
2. Athletes seeking to optimize performance.
3. Fitness enthusiasts wanting to break through plateaus.

How Can EMS Help You?

For users of devices like ORIEMS FIT, this research highlights:

• Enhanced results: Combining EMS with regular exercise can amplify your efforts.
• Customized parameters: Use the suggested impulse settings for maximum gains.
• Flexibility: EMS allows for targeted training without heavy weights, reducing injury risks.

Want to Learn More?

You can read the original research here:
Electromyostimulation—A Systematic Review

What Do You Think?

Have you tried EMS as part of your workouts?
What results have you experienced, and how do you set your EMS parameters?
Share your thoughts in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you!

Join the Conversation

This post is part of the ORIEMS FIT Research Digest, where we simplify complex research to help you explore the science of fitness.

Share this post with friends or family who are curious about EMS, and let’s inspire more people to learn and grow together.

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 our full disclaimer, visit:
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