About Electronic Muscle Stimulation (EMS)
Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS), also known as neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) or electromyostimulation, is the elicitation of muscle contraction using electric impulses. The impulses are generated by a device and delivered through electrodes on the skin in direct proximity to the muscles to be stimulated.
These impulses mimic the action potential coming from the central nervous system, causing the muscles to contract. The electrodes are generally gel pads that adhere to the skin. EMS is both a form of electrotherapy and of muscle training. It is cited by important authors as a good complementary technique for sport training, and there is published research on the results obtained. In the United States, EMS devices such as ab belts are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
In the 1960’s Soviet sports scientists applied EMS toning devices in the training of elite athletes, claiming rapid 40% strength gains. In the 1970s these studies were shared during conferences with the Western sport establishments. However, results were conflicting, perhaps because the mechanisms in which EMS acted was poorly understood.
More recently, medical physiology research has pinpointed the mechanisms by which electrical stimulation causes adaptation of cells of muscles, blood vessels and nerves, causing muscle development to increase.
EMS devices cause adaptation, i.e. training, of muscle fibers.
Because of the characteristics of skeletal muscle fibers, different types of fibers can be activated to differing degrees by different types of EMS, and the modifications induced depend on the pattern of EMS activity. These patterns, referred to as protocols or programs, will cause a different response from contraction of different fiber types. Some programs will improve fatigue resistance, i.e. endurance, others will increase force production or strength.
EMS devices to train muscles can be a good addition to your exercise routine - two best selling products on the market are the Flex Belt, and the Contour Abs belt. Read more about both in this review of the Contour Abs Belt.
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