Welcome to another blog post in the ORIEMS FIT RESEARCH DIGEST series. In this series, we break down exciting health studies into simple language that’s easy for everyone—whether you’re 14 or 70—to understand.
👉 At the end of every blog, we share the link to the full original study. Many studies include a PDF you can download, which is great if you want to check the facts yourself or build a personal library of trusted science.
🧠 Q&A STYLE — WHAT THIS STUDY MEANS
What is This Blog Post About?
This blog is about Functional Electrical Stimulation (a special kind of electrical therapy) and how it can help older stroke survivors walk better, move better, and rebuild strength.
Who Did This Research and When?
The study was published in 2022 by a large group of researchers from:
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Kyung Hee University in Seoul, South Korea
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Kyungpook National University in Daegu, South Korea
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EXOSYSTEMS Inc. and other medical and sports labs
Are These Researchers and Universities Trustworthy?
Yes. These universities are top-tier institutions in South Korea, known for research in rehabilitation, aging, and muscle science. The study was published in the Annals of Geriatric Medicine and Research, a respected medical journal for elderly care.
Who Paid for This Study?
The research was fully funded by the South Korean Government, supported by:
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Ministry of Health & Welfare
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Ministry of Science and ICT
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Ministry of Food and Drug Safety
What Exactly Is Functional Electrical Stimulation?
Functional Electrical Stimulation is a gentle electrical treatment that sends low-energy pulses to your muscles using pads placed on your skin. These pulses activate weak muscles, especially in stroke survivors who have trouble walking, standing, or lifting their feet.
Who Was This Study Done On?
This review looked at studies involving older adults after stroke, both men and women, typically over 60 years old. Most participants had problems walking, balancing, or had experienced foot drop (inability to lift the front part of the foot).
Which Method Was Used?
This was a review study, meaning the researchers examined many studies (including randomized controlled trials, pilot studies, and clinical trials) to find patterns and reliable evidence.
What Were the Positive Findings from the Study?
Here’s what they found, with real data:
✅ Walking Speed Improved
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One study showed a 56.6% increase in foot-lifting muscle strength (dorsiflexors) when patients used Functional Electrical Stimulation combined with rehab.
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Those who only had rehab (no stimulation) improved by 27.7%.
✅ Walking Distance Increased
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In a 6-month trial, stroke patients using Functional Electrical Stimulation walked significantly farther on the 10-meter walk test and 6-minute walk test.
✅ Better Balance
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In one 6-week training program using balance exercises with Functional Electrical Stimulation, stroke patients improved on the Berg Balance Scale and Barthel Index (used to measure independence in daily tasks).
✅ More Natural Gait
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Stimulating the tibialis anterior (foot-lifting muscle) during the swing phase and the gluteus medius (hip stabilizer) during the stance phase created a smoother, more symmetrical walk.
✅ More Propulsion
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Stroke patients pushed off more strongly when walking, thanks to Functional Electrical Stimulation + treadmill training (30 minutes/session, 3x per week for 12 weeks).
✅ Muscle Mass + Muscle Strength
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Although not many studies focused on older adults’ muscle mass, some found that Functional Electrical Stimulation changed key biological signals:
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⬆️ Increased IGF-1 (a hormone that helps muscle grow)
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⬇️ Reduced MuRF-1 and Atrogin-1 (genes related to muscle loss)
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✅ Static & Dynamic Balance
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Using Functional Electrical Stimulation helped patients balance better while standing still and while moving.
✅ Walking Without a Brace
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In a 12-month study, Functional Electrical Stimulation helped stroke survivors walk just as well as those using an ankle-foot orthosis (leg brace), meaning some may avoid needing a brace.
Why Is This Important for People Using EMS Devices?
If you're using an Oriems Fit EMS device, this study shows that:
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Muscle stimulation like this can support your muscle recovery and strength
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It may help with balance, foot lift, and posture—even if you’re older or have limited mobility
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It’s supported by real-world tests on stroke patients
📄 RESEARCH PAPER DETAILS
Original Title:
Therapeutic Effects of Functional Electrical Stimulation on Physical Performance and Muscle Strength in Post-stroke Older Adults
Simple Title:
Can Functional Electrical Stimulation Help Stroke Survivors Walk Stronger?
Link to Study (Open Access):
👉 https://doi.org/10.4235/agmr.22.0006
(Annals of Geriatric Medicine and Research, 2022)
This study is peer-reviewed and open access, which means it's reviewed by other experts and available for everyone to read.
🔍 WHAT IS ORIEMS FIT RESEARCH DIGEST?
At ORIEMS FIT, we believe that science should be for everyone. That’s why we created this blog series to simplify complex studies and spark curiosity. Every post is designed to help you make sense of new health research and maybe even start your own journey of self-learning.
We don’t give medical advice—just inspiration and easy-to-understand science.
At Oriems Fit, a 100% Australian Award-Winning Brand, we’re proud to be recognized as YEAR'S BEST for two years in a row—2024 & 2025, chosen by Australia’s top product review authorities.
We design Wide-Range Targeted Muscle Stimulators with EMS technology to support people from all walks of life—whether you're athletic, recovering, or just starting out.
🗣️ What Do You Think?
Do you know someone who could benefit from Functional Electrical Stimulation after a stroke?
Leave a comment below and let’s talk about it!
⚠️ Disclaimer
This blog post is for informational and recreational purposes only. It does not provide medical advice. Always talk to a healthcare professional before trying new treatments.
👉 Full disclaimer
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