Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) can be a shocking experience for sure. This muscle contraction method has been around for a long time with different applications. Most applications are therapeutic, but, like other therapy modalities, EMS has been extrapolated beyond therapy. It is becoming more prevalent among the apparently healthy (i.e. non-injured) population to improve fitness levels.
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is something you may be familiar with if you’ve gone through therapy sessions or been to a chiropractor for pain relief. This type of EMS is designed to change pain perception by delivering low-voltage current at trigger points. It can be very effective for relief of pain for some, but not for everyone.
Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) is also a therapeutic method but kicks it up a notch with the goal of causing a muscle to contract. Patients recovering from a stroke, for example, use it to keep the muscle functioning. Simply put, it delivers just enough impulse to contract muscles that individuals are unable to themselves. The point is to avoid muscle atrophy so that during recovery muscles are able to function while the individual’s natural ability to send impulses via the nervous system improves during therapy.
Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) is the type of EMS used in performance enhancement settings. Although terminology is commonly interchangeable, FES is used at lower levels while NMES usually refers to increased intensities. Because intensity is relative to the user’s condition, it is still therapeutic. Over the years, however, it has been studied and used for performance enhancement in athletes. As you have probably guessed, this just means the knob is cranked up to deliver more intense muscle contractions. Electrodes are placed strategically over muscles to be trained and deliver higher voltage to contract muscles.
The fitness industry has been looking for ways to market EMS. You may have seen some of the “As Seen On TV” products that promise miraculous results. A common example are the belts for contracting abdominal muscles. These types of apparatuses fall into the “something is better than nothing” category. To truly improve fitness, body movement is necessary. Improving your functional fitness is more important than artificially allowing electric impulses to contract your muscles. Make no mistake, benefits have been shown in athletes that used EMS, but EMS is only part of their fitness regimen. Most recently full body EMS suits are being used in fitness boutiques. The combination of wearing the suit for additional muscle stimulation while performing functional movements with a trainer is the latest application of EMS for improved fitness. The idea is to get more out of a shorter duration workout. This fits right in with our way of thinking over the past 30+ years... how do I get more out of doing less?
Lastly, EMS isn’t for everyone. There are contraindications to using EMS, particularly at high intensities. Always consult your physician before incorporating EMS into your fitness routine and be sure to share any conditions you may have with fitness boutiques offering EMS training. Artificially introducing electrical impulses to the body can impact a number of conditions.
