Search Results (43)

Whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) is a time-efficient, joint-friendly, and highly customizable training technology that particularly attracts sportspeople and athletes looking to enhance performance, accelerate regeneration, and prevent injuries with WB-EMS. Based on a systematic review of the literature, the present evidence map aimed to provide an overview of outcomes addressed by WB-EMS in exercising cohorts of different levels. In summary, the search identified 34 research projects with 39 studies and 43 publications that addressed 79 outcome categories (e.g., isometric strength) with more than 300 single outcomes (e.g., isometric strength of leg extensors). Thirty-one studies focused on performance-related outcomes, four studies addressed regeneration-related outcomes, and eight studies reported outcomes related to anthropometry. A further 14 studies reported health- and safety-related outcomes. Twenty-five of the 31 studies that reported performance parameters addressed strength, ten power, 18 jumping, ten sprinting, six agility, six endurance, five anaerobic power, and one each flexibility or balance, and five studies reported sport-specific performance outcomes (e.g., shot velocity). Apart from outcomes concerning injury prevention or sport-specific complaints, there are in particular evidence gaps relating to the acute effects of WB-EMS on regeneration, particularly with respect to muscle recovery. Semiprofessionals/professionals were rarely addressed, and if so, primarily cohorts from team sports were evaluated, while no study focused on elite strength, endurance, or precision sports athletes. Full article

Background: Irisin, a myokine secreted during physical activity, has garnered attention for its potential roles in cartilage homeostasis and musculoskeletal health. Whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) is an emerging exercise modality that enhances muscle recruitment and may stimulate greater irisin release. This study aimed to compare the acute serum irisin response following aerobic exercise with and without WB-EMS in healthy individuals. Methods: A total of 24 healthy adults were enrolled and randomized to undergo either aerobic physical activity (PA) or WB-EMS (n = 12 each). Both groups performed identical exercise routines, with the WB-EMS group additionally receiving muscle stimulation via a standardized protocol. Serum irisin levels were measured at baseline (T0), 10 minutes post-exercise (T1), and 1 hour post-exercise (T2) using ELISA. Statistical analysis was performed using two-way ANOVA with post hoc testing. Results: At T1, serum irisin levels did not significantly differ from baseline in either group. At T2, the WB-EMS group demonstrated a statistically significant increase in irisin levels compared to both T0 and T1 (p < 0.01), as well as to the PA group (p < 0.01). In contrast, the PA group showed only a slight, non-significant rise at T2. These findings suggest that WB-EMS induces a more robust irisin response than traditional aerobic exercise. Conclusions: WB-EMS appears to enhance irisin release in healthy individuals following acute exercise. These results support further research into WB-EMS as a novel strategy to modulate myokine production with potential therapeutic relevance in musculoskeletal conditions such as osteoarthritis. Full article

Soccer, as a high-intensity sport, places significant physical demands on athletes and is associated with a high risk of injury. Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS), a training and rehabilitation technology, has gained attention for its potential benefits in sports settings. This systematic review, conducted under the PRISMA guidelines, rigorously assessed the effectiveness of EMS in improving muscle strength, promoting post-exercise recovery, and facilitating injury rehabilitation among soccer players. A comprehensive search of the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases identified 10 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Among these, six studies demonstrated a significant improvement in athletic performance following local or whole-body EMS application. Four studies provided evidence supporting EMS’s efficacy in enhancing post-exercise recovery and reducing recovery time after injuries, with observed reductions in recovery time. However, the majority of the included studies were not double-blind, which limits the strength of the evidence. None of the included studies reported EMS-related adverse effects. Overall, the current results suggest that EMS may be a useful adjunct to improve athletic performance and facilitate recovery in soccer players. This review offers actionable insights for coaches and athletes regarding the safe and effective application of EMS in soccer training and rehabilitation programs. Full article

Background: Whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) combines full-body electrical muscle stimulation with instructor-assigned exercise. Electrical impulses are transmitted to the peripheral muscles through electrodes applied to the body. This study compared two training methodologies, WB-EMS training and traditional resistance training, to determine which approach leads to greater strength improvement in terms of 1-repetition maximum (1-RM). Methods: Twenty sedentary women participated in a 10 weeks protocol with five evaluations conducted every two weeks. The WB-EMS group trained for 20 min per week, and the resistance training group (RT) performed an average of two training sessions per week, lasting 60 min each. Both groups were evaluated using three exercises: back squat and hammer curl (1-RM), and plank exercise (time to exhaustion). Results: Both groups increased their performance in squat (WB-EMS +36%, p = 0.0001; RT +34%, p = 0.0001), curl (WB-EMS +42%, p = 0.0001; RT +33%, p = 0.0001), and plank (WB-EMS +103%, p = 0.0001; RT +65%, p = 0.0001). No significant time × training interaction was found for any exercise, indicating that the two groups improved similarly. Conclusions: Although WB-EMS did not confer greater strength improvement than traditional resistance training, it offers a time-efficient alternative, achieving similar results with reduced time commitment. Full article

Background/Objectives: Evidence supports the benefits of concurrent training (CT), which combines endurance and resistance exercises, for enhancing health and physical fitness. Recently, low-volume, time-efficient exercise approaches such as low-volume high-intensity interval training (LOW-HIIT), whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS), and single-set resistance training (1-RT) have gained popularity for their feasibility and efficacy in improving various health outcomes. This study investigated the effects of low-volume CT, focusing on (1) whether exercise order affects cardiometabolic health, inflammation, and fitness adaptations and (2) which combination, LOW-HIIT plus WB-EMS or LOW-HIIT plus 1-RT, yields better results. Methods: Ninety-three obese metabolic syndrome (MetS) patients undergoing caloric restriction were randomly assigned to four groups performing the different low-volume CT protocols over 12 weeks. Outcomes included cardiometabolic, inflammatory, and fitness parameters. Results: In both combinations, no significant differences were found regarding exercise order. However, the pooled LOW-HIIT and 1-RT group achieved superior improvements in blood pressure, blood lipids, inflammation markers (CRP, hsCRP), the MetS severity score, and overall fitness compared to the LOW-HIIT and WB-EMS combination. Compared to previous studies using these modalities individually, LOW-HIIT plus 1-RT appeared to further reduce inflammation, whereas LOW-HIIT combined with WB-EMS was less effective for cardiometabolic health, potentially due to interference effects between modalities. Conclusions: While LOW-HIIT plus WB-EMS appears to be a viable option for individuals unable to perform traditional resistance training, the findings suggest prioritizing LOW-HIIT plus 1-RT to maximize health outcomes. These findings highlight the importance of tailored exercise prescriptions and the need for further research into optimizing CT protocols for diverse populations. Full article

Objective: The aim of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) was to assess the impact of a 12-week intervention of two 20-min sessions per week, combining aerobic exercise with whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS), on physical and cognitive performance in the elderly. Methods: A total of 61 participants (age = 71 ± 5.64 years), healthy or at risk for dementia, were randomly assigned to an experimental training group (ETG, n = 33) and a control group (CON, n = 28). Participants underwent 20-min aerobic training sessions, with intensity increasing from 60% to 80% of heart rate reserve (HRR), with and without continuous WB-EMS stimulation (35 Hz, 350 μs). Results: Significant time/effects for both the ETG and CON were found in the physical performance tests, with significant time*group interactions favoring the ETG for the arm curl test (p < 0.001) and the sit-to-stand test, with significant differences between groups (p = 0.001), as well as for the hand grip test (p < 0.001) and the 6-min walking test (p < 0.001), with significant time*group interactions (p = 0.003). Both groups improved their performance on the soda pop test (p < 0.001). ETG outperformed CON in memory performance (PROSA, p = 0.046; RAVLT immediate recall, p < 0.001) and on selective attention and visuospatial processing (attention matrices, p = 0.014). Some cognitive tests showed no significant improvement, likely due to the short intervention period for cognitive function (MMSE, p = 0.628; TMT, p = 0.698; Stroop error, p = 0.188) or memory performance (PROSA, p = 0.338). Conclusion: The absence of decline suggests a protective effect of physical activity. WB-EMS, combined with aerobic training, enhances the benefits of physical activity and helps counteract cognitive decline in older adults. Full article

The beneficial impact of physical training in lowering cancer risk is well known. However, the precise mechanisms linking physical training and cancer are not fully understood. Skeletal muscle releases various myokines that seem to possess a direct anti-tumor effect. Although breast cancer (BC) is the prevalent form of cancer among women on a global scale, only limited data are available about the secretion of myokines following exercise in patients with BC. To study the effects of exercise on BC, the blood samples of patients with varied stages of BC were analyzed after 12 weeks of resistance training with whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS). Following the training period, we observed that resistance training helps these patients to improve their physical characteristics and performance function by increasing skeletal muscle mass and strengthening their hand grip. Notably, the patient’s serum was found to inhibit the growth and promote the apoptosis of BC cells in vitro. Moreover, the conditioned medium collected from in vitro stimulated human myotubes using electric pulse stimulation (EPS), an in vitro simulation of WB-EMS training, induced the cell death of BC cells. These results highlighted the direct cancer-protective effects of activated skeletal muscle. In line with our observed effects of serum from exercise-trained pancreatic and prostate cancer patients, the growth of BC cells was notably inhibited when supplemented directly with recombinant myokines C-X-C motif ligand 1 (CXCL1), Interleukin 10 (IL10), and C-C motif chemokine ligand 4 (CCL4). Notably, treatment with these myokines also increased the expression of caspase 3/7 (Casp3/7), resulting in enhanced BC cell death. Our data strongly suggest that physical exercise has a positive impact on skeletal muscle mass and hand grip strength in BC patients, along with a significant anti-tumor effect in BC cells. This shows promising potential for considering sports and physical training as supportive therapies for achieving more impactful cancer treatment. Full article

In the present work, we aimed to determine the effect of whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) on metabolic syndrome (MetS) as a cluster of cardiometabolic risk factors in people at moderate-to-high cardiometabolic risk. The present meta-analysis is based on a systematic literature search of a recent evidence map, which searched five electronic databases, two registers, and Google Scholar, according to PRISMA, until 31 March 2023. Controlled trials comprising adult cohorts with central obesity that compared the effect of WB-EMS versus controls using a continuous score representing MetS were included. We applied a random-effects meta-analysis and used the inverse heterogeneity model to analyze the data of the five eligible trials identified by our search. Outcome measures were standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (95%-CIs). The risk of bias was determined using the PEDro-Score. In summary, we identified five eligible articles containing 117 participants in the WB-EMS group and 117 participants in the control group. We observed a small effect (SMD: −0.30; 95%-CI: −0.04 to −0.56) in favor of the WB-EMS intervention. The heterogeneity between the trials was very low (I²: 0%); further evidence for risks of small study/publication bias was minimal. The methodologic quality of these studies can be classified as moderate to high. In summary, the present work provides evidence of the favorable effect of WB-EMS on cardiometabolic risk in adults at moderate–high cardiometabolic risk. Considering the time effectiveness of WB-EMS, along with its safety and attractiveness, as indicated by the five studies, WB-EMS can be regarded as a feasible training option for people at cardiometabolic risk. Full article

This study explored the changes in the rate of torque development scaling factor (RTD-SF) and maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVC) variables following six weeks of unilateral isometric electromyostimulation (EMS) and voluntary (VOL) exercises. Twenty-six physically active participants were randomly assigned to EMS (n = 13) or a VOL group. MVC and RTD-SF of the quadriceps femoris of both legs were assessed before and after training. EMS and VOL exercises had identical frequency (three sessions/week), intensity (60% MVC), volume (40 contractions), and work-to-rest ratio (18 min: 6.25 s of work/20 s of rest). There were no between-group differences for the trained leg with overall increases in maximal torque (Tmax) of ~29% (d = 2.11–2.12), ~13% for RTDmax (d = 0.92–1.10); ~23% for Intercept (d = 0.72–0.78), and reduction in RTD-SF by ~15% (d = 1.01–1.10). In the non-trained leg, significant moderate change was only observed after EMS for RTD-SF which decreased by 12.5% (d = 0.76). Both EMS and VOL training applied at equivalent workloads positively impact on Tmax, RTDmax, and Intercept, but they negatively affect the quickness with which muscle contracts across a wide range of submaximal forces. Using a moderate training intensity in regularly physically active participants could explain the absence of cross-education in the VOL group. Full article

Electromyostimulation (EMS) is an up-and-coming training method that demands further fundamental research regarding its safety and efficacy. To investigate the influence of different stimulation parameters, electrode positions and electrode sizes on the resulting voltage in the tissue, a tissue mimicking phantom is needed. Therefore, this study describes the fabrication of a hydrogel arm phantom for EMS applications with the tissue layers of skin, fat, blood and muscle. The phantom was dielectrically validated in the frequency range of 20 Hz to 100 Hz. We also conducted electromyography (EMG) recordings during EMS on the phantom and compared them with the same measurements on a human arm. The phantom reproduces the dielectric properties of the tissues with deviations ranging from 0.8% to more than 100%. Although we found it difficult to find a compromise between mimicking the permittivity and electrical conductivity at the same time, the EMS–EMG measurements showed similar waveforms (1.9–9.5% deviation) in the phantom and human. Our research contributes to the field of dielectric tissue phantoms, as it proposes a multilayer arm phantom for EMS applications. Consequently, the phantom can be used for initial EMS investigations, but future research should focus on further improving the dielectric properties. Full article

Competitive climbers engage in highly structured training regimens to achieve peak performance levels, with efficient time management as a critical aspect. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) training can close the gap between time-efficient conditioning training and achieving optimal prerequisites for peak climbing-specific performances. Therefore, we examined potential neuromuscular adaptations resulting from the NMFES intervention by analyzing the efficacy of twice-weekly NMES-supported fingerboard (hang board) training compared with thrice-weekly conventional fingerboard training over 7 training weeks in enhancing climbing-specific endurance among intermediate to advanced climbers. Participants were randomly divided into the NMES and control groups. Eighteen participants completed the study (14 male, 4 female; mean age: 25.7 ± 5.3 years; mean climbing experience: 6.4 ± 3.4 years). Endurance was assessed by measuring the maximal time athletes could support their body weight (hanging to exhaustion) on a 20 mm-deep ledge at three intervals: pre-, in-between- (after 4 weeks of training), and post-training (after 7 weeks of training). The findings revealed that despite the lower training volume in the NMES group, no significant differences were observed between the NMES and control groups in climbing-specific endurance. Both groups exhibited notable improvements in endurance, particularly after the in-between test. Consequently, a twice-weekly NMES-supported fingerboard training regimen demonstrated non-inferiority to a thrice-weekly conventional training routine. Incorporating NMES into fingerboard workouts could offer time-saving benefits. Full article

Patients with aggressive cancer, e.g., gastrointestinal cancer, are prone (≥50% chance) to developing cancer cachexia (CC). Little is known about the effects of CC on the biomechanical function of muscle. A promising prevention strategy was found in the form of a multi-modal therapy combining mild resistance exercise (e.g., whole-body electro-myostimulation, WB-EMS) and a protein-rich diet. In a previous study of ours, this was effective in counteracting the loss of muscle mass, yet a systematic and comprehensive assessment of active and passive single muscle fibre functions was so far absent. This pilot study investigated the biomechanical function of single muscle fibres (rectus abdominis) from the biopsies of conventionally treated (pre-)cachectic cancer ((pre-)CC) patients (m = 9), those receiving the multi-modal therapy comprising WB-EMS training and protein-rich nutrition (m = 3), and a control group (m = 5). Our findings not only align with previous findings showing the absolute force loss in CC that is accelerated by atrophy but also speak in favour of a different, potentially energy- and Ca²⁺-homeostasis-related effect that compromises muscle contraction (F ~0.9 mN vs. F ~0.6 mN in control patients). However, myofibrillar Ca²⁺ sensitivity and the quality of contraction were unaltered (pCa50: 5.6–5.8). Single fibres from the (pre-)CC patients receiving WB-EMS training and protein supplementation were significantly more compliant (p < 0.001 at ≥130% of resting length L₀). Those fibres displayed a similar softness to the ones from the control patients (axial compliance ~15 m/N at ≥130% L₀), while single fibres from the patients with (developing) cachexia were significantly stiffer (axial compliance ~7 m/N, p < 0.001 at ≥130% L₀). Adjuvant multi-modal therapy (WB-EMS training and nutritional support) contributes to maintaining the axial compliance of single fibres and potentially improves the quality of life for patients at risk of developing CC. Full article

Physical exercise (EX) is well established for its positive impact on brain health. However, conventional EX may not be feasible for certain individuals. In this regard, this study explores electromyostimulation (EMS) as a potential alternative for enhancing cognitive function. Conducted on both human participants and rats, the study involved two sessions of EMS applied to the quadriceps with a duration of 30 min at one-week intervals. The human subjects experienced assessments of cognition and mood, while the rats underwent histological and biochemical analyses on the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and quadriceps. Our findings indicated that EMS enhanced executive functions and reduced anxiety in humans. In parallel, our results from the animal studies revealed an elevation in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), specifically in the hippocampus. Intriguingly, this increase was not associated with heightened neuronal activity or cerebral hemodynamics; instead, our data point towards a humoral interaction from muscle to brain. While no evidence of increased muscle and circulating BDNF or FNDC5/irisin pathways could be found, our data highlight lactate as a bridging signaling molecule of the muscle–brain crosstalk following EMS. In conclusion, our results suggest that EMS could be an effective alternative to conventional EX for enhancing both brain health and cognitive function. Full article

Whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) can be considered as a time-efficient, joint-friendly, and highly customizable training technology that attracts a wide range of users. The present evidence map aims to provide an overview of different non-athletic cohorts addressed in WB-EMS research. Based on a comprehensive systematic search according to PRISMA, eighty-six eligible longitudinal trials were identified that correspond with our eligibility criteria. In summary, WB-EMS research sufficiently covers all adult age categories in males and females. Most cohorts addressed (58%) were predominately or exclusively overweight/obese, and in about 60% of them, diseases or conditions were inclusion criteria for the trials. Cohorts specifically enrolled in WB-EMS trials suffer from cancer/neoplasm (n = 7), obesity (n = 6), diabetes mellitus (n = 5), metabolic syndrome (n = 2), nervous system diseases (n = 2), chronic heart failure (n = 4), stroke (n = 1), peripheral arterial diseases (n = 2), knee arthrosis (n = 1), sarcopenia (n = 3), chronic unspecific low back pain (n = 4), and osteopenia (n = 3). Chronic kidney disease was an eligibility criterion in five WB-EMS trials. Finally, three studies included only critically ill patients, and two further studies considered frailty as an inclusion criterion. Of importance, no adverse effects of the WB-EMS intervention were reported. In summary, the evidence gaps in WB-EMS research were particular evident for cohorts with diseases of the nervous and cerebrovascular system. Full article

Background and Objectives: Whole-body electromyostimulation is under investigation as a potential aid for obesity-related health problems, supplementing a comprehensive, evidence-based obesity management strategy that includes lifestyle, diet, and exercise. The study investigated the impact of a whole-body electromyostimulation training program on physical performance and cardiometabolic markers in young obese females. Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight obese females, aged over 18 years with BMI over 30 and body fat over 28% and no underlying health conditions or medication, were divided into a whole-body electromyostimulation group (15 participants) and a control group (13 participants). The whole-body electromyostimulation program lasted 12 weeks, with two 20 min sessions weekly, using bipolar, rectangular current. Assessments pre and post intervention included body composition, blood pressure, lipid profile, C-reactive protein levels, maximal oxygen consumption, and jumping and sprint performance. Two-way ANOVA and t-tests were used for analysis. Results: Statistical analysis revealed significant (group × time) interactions for body composition, systolic blood pressure, maximal oxygen consumption, jumping and sprint performance, and plasma levels of lipids and C-reactive protein. Post hoc analyses for the whole-body electromyostimulation group indicated improvements in body composition indices (p < 0.01), systolic blood pressure (p = 0.003), maximal oxygen consumption (p = 0.010), and both jumping and 30 m sprint performance (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively) after the intervention. Furthermore, plasma levels of lipids (p < 0.01) and C-reactive protein (p = 0.002) showed significant improvements following the training program. In contrast, no significant changes were observed for these variables in the control group. Conclusions: A 12-week whole-body electromyostimulation program significantly improved body composition (skeletal muscle mass, body mass index, body fat, and waist circumference), physical performance (maximal oxygen consumption, jumping and sprint performance), and certain cardiometabolic (plasma level of lipids) and inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein) in obese young women. Further research is needed to explore the broader effects of whole-body electromyostimulation on physical and cardiometabolic health. Full article