Whole-body Electromyostimulation Research Articles

Acute Effects of Combining Whole-Body Electromyostimulation with Resistance Training in Active Women.

Strength training elicits benefits both in performance and on a psychological level in women, such as increased muscle strength and improved self-esteem. Whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) could be a training strategy for enhancing muscular strength. The aim of this study was to assess the acute effects of a single session of WB-EMS superimposed over classic resistance training on isometric strength, endurance strength and flexibility. Furthermore, the safety of the protocol was assessed by monitoring the levels of creatine kinase (CK) 48 h after the training protocol was completed. Sixteen active women (aged 22.06 ± 1.88) were randomly assigned to an experimental group (EG) (n = 8) and a control group (CG) (n = 8). The EG performed four sets of 12 repetitions of three strength exercises with superimposed WB-EMS, while the CG performed the same protocol without WB-EMS. RM-ANOVA showed a significant time*group interaction on posterior kinetic chain extensors' mean and peak strength in the EG (F(1,14) = 10.036; p = 0.007; and F(1,14) = 20.719; p < 0.001; respectively). A significant time*group interaction was found in the sit and reach test for the EG (F(1,14) = 10.362; p = 0.006). Finally, ANOVA performed on the CK levels showed no significant difference between the groups (F(1,14) = 0.715; p = 0.412). WB-EMS training led to an immediate improvement in strength performance and flexibility, and this protocol was shown to be safe in terms of CK levels, 48 h after completing the training protocol.

Comparison of the effects of core stability and whole-body electromyostimulation exercises on kyphosis angle and core muscle endurance of inactive people with hyper kyphosis: A quasi-experimental pre-post study

ObjectiveRestoring the degree of kyphosis to be consistent with good sagittal alignment of the spine is a key concern. This study aimed to compare the effect of core stability exercises (CSE) versus whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) and a combined program (PLUS) on kyphosis angle and core muscle endurance in sedentary individuals with hyperkyphosis. DesignA quasi-experimental single group pre-post study. SettingsLaboratory of corrective exercise. Participantsseventy-five untrained men (28.9 ± 5.3 years) with thoracic hyperkyphosis. Main outcome measuresA flexible ruler was used to measure the angle of kyphosis and McGill's test was used to evaluate core stability. ResultsThe results of the post hoc test demonstrated that the kyphosis angle was improved in the WB-EMS and PLUS groups compared to that in the CG (P < 0.05), but no significant difference was observed among the three groups(P > 0.05). In the post-test, core stability was significantly improved in CSE, WB-EMS and PLUS groups compared to that in the CG. ConclusionsThe WB-EMS and PLUS protocols as new training methods seem to be effective in changing posture parameters and correcting postural deformities, including kyphosis. Therefore, these protocols along with other rehabilitation programs can be used to correct kyphosis and improve core muscle endurance.

Physical exercise improves memory in sedentary middle-aged adults: Are these exercise-induced benefits associated with S-Klotho and 1,25-dihydroxivitamin D? The FIT-AGEING randomized controlled trial.

We aimed to investigate the effect of three types of exercise interventions on memory (i.e., immediate memory (IM), long-term memory (LTM), and recognition). We also investigated whether exercise-induced changes in circulating S-Klotho and 1,25-dihydroxivitamin D (1,25(OH)2 D) levels were related to those observed in memory in healthy middle-aged sedentary adults. A 12-week randomized controlled trial was performed with a parallel-group design. Seventy-four participants (45-65 years old: 53% women) were randomly assigned to (1) no exercise (control) group, (2) concurrent training based on the international physical activity recommendations (PAR) group, (3) high-intensity interval training (HIIT) group, or (4) HIIT plus whole-body electromyostimulation (HIIT-EMS) group. Memory outcomes were assessed using the Wechsler Memory Scale-third edition. S-Klotho plasma levels were determined according to a solid-phase sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit while 1,25(OH)2 D plasma levels were measured using a DiaSorin-Liaison immunochemiluminometric analyzer. IM-Verbal Paired Associates (IM-VPA) and IM-Logical Memory (IM-LM) were improved in both the HIIT and HIIT-EMS groups compared with the control group (all p ≤ 0.045). Exercise-induced changes in S-Klotho plasma levels were positively associated with those observed in IM, LTM, and recognition (all p ≤ 0.007), whereas exercise-induced changes in 1,25(OH)2 D plasma levels were directly related to changes in IM and LTM (all p ≤ 0.048). In conclusion, a 12-week HIIT intervention with or without WB-EMS seems to be the most effective exercise program to improve IM. The significant and positive associations between exercise-induced changes in S-Klotho and 1,25(OH)2 D levels with those observed in memory outcomes suggest that these factors may be potentially related to exercise-induced improvements of memory in middle-aged adults.

Differential Effects of Very-Low-Volume Exercise Modalities on Telomere Length, Inflammation, and Cardiometabolic Health in Obese Metabolic Syndrome Patients: A Subanalysis from Two Randomized Controlled Trials.

Oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation are features of metabolic syndrome (MetS) that can contribute to the shortening of telomere length (TL), a marker of cellular ageing. Research indicates that exercise can positively influence MetS-associated conditions and TL. However, the effects of low-volume exercise types on TL are still unknown. We investigated the impact of very-low-volume high-intensity interval training (LV-HIIT), one-set resistance training (1-RT), and whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) on TL, inflammation, and cardiometabolic indices in 167 MetS patients. Data were derived from two randomized controlled trials where patients were allocated to an exercise group (2 sessions/week, for 12 weeks) or a control group. All groups received standard-care nutritional weight loss counselling. TL was determined as the T/S ratio (telomere to single-copy gene amount). All groups significantly reduced body weight (p < 0.05), but the T/S-ratio (p < 0.001) only increased with LV-HIIT. OS-related inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and lipopolysaccharide-binding protein) only decreased (p < 0.05) following LV-HIIT. The MetS severity z-score improved with LV-HIIT (p < 0.001) and 1-RT (p = 0.014) but not with WB-EMS. In conclusion, very-low-volume exercise modalities have differential effects on telomeres, inflammation, and cardiometabolic health. Only LV-HIIT but not strength-based low-volume exercise increased TL in MetS patients, presumably due to superior effects on OS-related inflammatory markers.

Running with whole-body electromyostimulation improves physiological determinants of endurance performance – a randomized control trial

BackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate the physiological and metabolic adaptations to an eight-week running intervention with whole-body electromyostimulation (wbEMS) compared to running without wbEMS.MethodsIn a randomized controlled trial (RCT), 59 healthy participants (32 female/ 27 male, 41 ± 7 years, rel.V̇O2max 40.2 ± 7.4 ml/min/kg) ran twice weekly à 20 min for eight weeks either with a wbEMS suit (EG) or without wbEMS (control group, CG). Before and after the intervention, (i) rel.V̇O2max, heart rate and time to exhaustion were recorded with an incremental step test with an incremental rate of 1.20 km/h every 3 min. They were interpreted at aerobic and (indirect) anaerobic lactate thresholds as well as at maximum performance. (ii) Resting metabolic rate (RQ) as well as (iii) body composition (%fat) were assessed.ResultsFollowing the intervention, V̇O2max was significantly enhanced for both groups (EG ∆13 ± 3%, CG ∆9 ± 3%). Velocity was elevated at lactate thresholds and maximum running speed (EG ∆3 ± 1%, CG ∆2 ± 1%); HRmax was slightly reduced by -1 beat/min. No significant changes were observed for time until exhaustion and lactate. RQ was significantly enhanced following both trainings by + 7%. %fat was reduced for both groups (EG ∆-11 ± 3%, CG ∆-16 ± 5%), without any changes in body mass. Results did not differ significantly between groups.ConclusionsBoth interventions had a positive impact on aerobic power. The rightward shift of the time-velocity graph points towards improved endurance performance. The effects of wbEMS are comparable to those after high-intensity training and might offer a time-efficient alternative to affect physiological and metabolic effects.Trial registrationGerman Clinical Trials Register, ID DRKS00026827, date 10/26/21.

Influence of a long-term WB-EMS intervention on parameters of body composition and physical performance among individuals of different age decades between 19 and 81 years

Lifelong fitness training plays an essential role in building and maintaining health. Whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) is a time-efficient training method that could be used as an adequate training intervention for different persons due to the intensive, involuntary contraction of the musculature and the resulting increases in muscular performance. Therefore, the aim of the study was to investigate if WB-EMS has positive effects on body composition and physical performance parameters of individuals of different age decades. Subjects from age decades 20-80 years participated in a 24-week WB-EMS training intervention. PRE and POST diagnostics of trunk extension and flexion, knee extension and flexion, hand grip strength, skeletal muscle mass (SMM) and body fat were performed on three consecutive days and the daily maximum values were summarized as the total mean value and were used for the descriptive data interpretation. Strength parameters were summarized in an unweighted additive index, the muscular change index (MCI). Regarding the results obtained by using the MCI, remarkable increases were observed in participants from all decades (20: +12.02%; 30: +6.59%; 40: +6.85%; 50: +3.96%; 60: +10.95%; 70: +20.26%; 80: +20.86%). Therefore, WB-EMS seems to be a time-efficient and adequate form of training that can be conducted to enhance muscular performance at different ages.

Acute effects of Whole Body Electrostimulation combined with stretching on lower back pain.

Data from recent studies suggest that whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) is a time-effective and tailored intervention for chronic lower back pain (CLBP). The aim of this non-randomized controlled study was to compare the efficacy of a WB-EMS training and the association between WB-EMS specific training with passive stretching (Well Back System, [WBS]) on CLBP. Forty patients with CLBP, 43-81 years old, were assigned to one of the two groups: WB-EMS (n=20) and WB-EMS+WBS (n=20). Both groups completed 12 sessions (8 weeks) WB-EMS protocol (2 x 20 minutes/week). The second group performed core-specific exercises with WB-EMS plus 6 extra stretching sessions (30 minutes each). Primary study endpoints were based on changes on visual analogue scale (VAS) and changes on Oswestry Low Back Disability Questionnaire (ODI). Secondary study endpoints were percentage changes of maximum trunk flexion (Sit & Reach, [SR]) and changes on assumption of painkillers. Both interventions significantly improved VAS, ODI and SR values (p range: 0.04; <0.001). However, the change of VAS (-46% vs -17%, p<0.001), ODI (-53% vs -17%, p<0.001), and SR (+7 vs +3 cm, p=0.001) were significantly higher in the WB-EMS+WBS group compared to the WB-EMS group. The working method with WB-EMS+WBS can be a joint-friendly, individualized form to decrease CLBP.

Systemic Lupus, Metabolic Syndrome, Cardiac Disease, and Peripheral Artery Disease

Systemic Lupus, Metabolic Syndrome, Cardiac Disease, and Peripheral Artery Disease

Acute effects of high-intensity functional training with or without whole-body electromyostimulation on serum irisin and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in overweight individuals

Acute effects of high-intensity functional training with or without whole-body electromyostimulation on serum irisin and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in overweight individuals

Position statement and updated international guideline for safe and effective whole-body electromyostimulation training-the need for common sense in WB-EMS application.

Whole-Body Electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) is a training technology that enables simultaneous stimulation of all the main muscle groups with a specific impulse intensity for each electrode. The corresponding time-efficiency and joint-friendliness of WB-EMS may be particularly attractive for people unable or unmotivated to conduct (intense) conventional training protocols. However, due to the enormous metabolic and musculoskeletal impact of WB-EMS, particular attention must be paid to the application of this technology. In the past, several scientific and newspaper articles reported severe adverse effects of WB-EMS. To increase the safety of commercial non-medical WB-EMS application, recommendations "for safe and effective whole-body electromyostimulation" were launched in 2016. However, new developments and trends require an update of these recommendations to incorporate more international expertise with demonstrated experience in the application of WB-EMS. The new version of these consensus-based recommendations has been structured into 1) "general aspects of WB-EMS", 2) "preparation for training", recommendations for the 3) "WB-EMS application" itself and 4) "safety aspects during and after training". Key topics particularly addressed are 1) consistent and close supervision of WB-EMS application, 2) mandatory qualification of WB-EMS trainers, 3) anamnesis and corresponding consideration of contraindications prior to WB-EMS, 4) the participant's proper preparation for the session, 5) careful preparation of the WB-EMS novice, 6) appropriate regeneration periods between WB-EMS sessions and 7) continuous interaction between trainer and participant at a close physical distance. In summary, we are convinced that the present guideline will contribute to greater safety and effectiveness in the area of non-medical commercial WB-EMS application.

Additional Active Movements Are Not Required for Strength Gains in the Untrained during Short-Term Whole-Body Electromyostimulation Training.

Recommendations for conventional strength training are well described, and the volume of research on whole-body electromyostimulation training (WB-EMS) is growing. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether active exercise movements during stimulation have a positive effect on strength gains. A total of 30 inactive subjects (28 completed the study) were randomly allocated into two training groups, the upper body group (UBG) and the lower body group (LBG). In the UBG (n = 15; age: 32 (25-36); body mass: 78.3 kg (53.1-114.3 kg)), WB-EMS was accompanied by exercise movements of the upper body and in the LBG (n = 13; age: 26 (20-35); body mass: 67.2 kg (47.4-100.3 kg)) by exercise movements of the lower body. Therefore, UBG served as a control when lower body strength was considered, and LBG served as a control when upper body strength was considered. Trunk exercises were performed under the same conditions in both groups. During the 20-min sessions, 12 repetitions were performed per exercise. In both groups, stimulation was performed with 350 μs wide square pulses at 85 Hz in biphasic mode, and stimulation intensity was 6-8 (scale 1-10). Isometric maximum strength was measured before and after the training (6 weeks set; one session/week) on 6 exercises for the upper body and 4 for the lower body. Isometric maximum strength was significantly higher after the EMS training in both groups in most test positions (UBG p < 0.001-0.031, r = 0.88-0.56; LBG p = 0.001-0.039, r = 0.88-0.57). Only for the left leg extension in the UBG (p = 0.100, r = 0.43) and for the biceps curl in the LBG (p = 0.221, r = 0.34) no changes were observed. Both groups showed similar absolute strength changes after EMS training. Body mass adjusted strength for the left arm pull increased more in the LBG group (p = 0.040, r = 0.39). Based on our results we conclude that concurring exercise movements during a short-term WB-EMS training period have no substantial influence on strength gains. People with health restrictions, beginners with no experience in strength training and people returning to training might be particularly suitable target groups, due to the low training effort. Supposedly, exercise movements become more relevant when initial adaptations to training are exhausted.

Impact of Whole-Body Electromyostimulation and Resistance Training on the Level of Functional Fitness in Elderly Women

ABSTRACT &#x0D; Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) and resistance training (RT) on the level of functional fitness in a group of elderly women.&#x0D; Participants: 63 women (60-65 years) were randomly divided into 2 experimental groups (19 in WB-EMS, 22 in RT) and one control group (22 women). Both experimental groups underwent a ten-week lasting interventional program, the control group was asked to maintain their usual daily regimen and lifestyle.&#x0D; Methods: Senior fitness test battery (SFT) determined the level of functional fitness in participants, and the dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) assessed the body composition. &#x0D; Results: The RT group reported a statistically significant difference between pre-and post-test in values of the Chair Stand test (p = 0.04), 8 Foot up and Go (p = 0.03), in the Back Scratch test left side (p = 0.02) and the Chair Sit and Reach test right side (p = 0.05). The WB-EMS interventional program had a positive statistically significant effect only the on level of flexibility of the lower limbs measured by the Chair Sit and Reach test left side (p = 0.05).&#x0D; Conclusions: The results of all individual components of functional fitness measured by SFT in both experimental groups (WB-EMS, RT) show an improving tendency. Comparing WB-EMS and RT groups, better results were confirmed in the RT group.&#x0D; Study limitations: Extending the length of intervention programs could have a more significant effect on the level of functional fitness in elderly women.&#x0D; Keywords: ageing, functional fitness, Senior fitness test, DXA, resistance training, WB-EMS

Impact of Whole-Body Electromyostimulation and Resistance Training Programme on Strength Parameters and Body Composition in Group of Elderly Women at Risk of Sarcopenia

Objective: The purpose of the study is to compare the effect of ten-week lasting whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) and the circuit resistance training programme (RT) on body composition and strength parameters in women at risk of sarcopenia. Methods: The WB-EMS programme was carried out once a week and included ten exercise sessions, the RT was carried out twice a week and included 20 sessions. 17 elderly women participated in the study, nine in a WB-EMS intervention group (age: 63.11±1.52 years; weight: 70.07±9.07kg; height: 165.11±6.4cm; BMI 25.81±3.96kg/m2), eight in a RT group (age: 62.13±1.69 years; weight: 73.58±3.87 kg; BMI 27.34±2.58 kg/m2). To assess body composition, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used. To determine the level of strength parameters, hand dynamometry and isokinetic dynamometry of knee flexors and knee extensors were used. Results: Body composition assessment was performed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and strength parameters were evaluated using isometric dynamometry (knee flexors and extensors strength). After completing ten weeks of intervention, significant differences were observed for lean muscle mass (RT group, Leanmasspre-test 43316.91 ± 1856.77 vs. Leanmasspost-test 43939.56 ± 1869.84, p= 0.0307). No significant differences were found between the pre-test and post-test in the WB-EMS group (Leanmasspre-test 39472.56 ± 3370.04 vs. Leanmasspost-test 38835.56 ± 3306.84, p= 0.5995). The isokinetic dynamometry analysis showed significant differences for the extensors and the peak torque on the right side in the RT group (Extensors Peak Torquepre-test 98.00 ± 13.55 vs. Extensors Peak Torquepost-test 38835.56 ± 3306.84, p= 0.0160; Flexors Peak Torquepre-test 54.25 ± 11.14 vs. Flexors Peak Torquepost-test 59.75 ± 11.13, p= 0.0059). Conclusions: The most obvious finding that emerges from this study is that resistance training has shown a greater effect than whole-body electromyostimulation.

The effects of whole-body muscle stimulation on body composition and strength parameters: A PRISMA systematic review and meta-analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis set out to determine the efficacy of whole-body muscle electrostimulation on body composition, strength, and muscle power in active and non-active adults (aged ≥18 years). This review was reported in accordance with the Protocol Statement of Preferred Reporting Element Guidelines for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis included controlled trials; whole-body electromyostimulation trials with at least 1 exercise and control group; participants >18 years old. Outcome measures were defined as standardized mean differences for muscle mass, body fat mass, strength, and power. Studies were searched in the following electronic databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and EMBASE for all articles published up to July 30, 2021. The risk of bias was assessed by 2 independent researchers using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations approach. Analyses were performed using the metafor package of the statistical software R (version 4.0.3; R Core Team, 2020). Random effects models, forest, and funnel plots to quantify the asymmetry associated with publication bias were fitted using the metafor library in R. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed using I2 statistics. In total, 26 studies representing 1183 participants were included (WB-electromyostimulation: n = 586 and control group: n = 597). The mean age of the participants ranged from a minimum of 20.4 to a maximum of 77.4 years old. Interventions lasted a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 54 weeks. Standardized mean difference was 0.36 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.16-0.57) for muscle mass, -0.38 (95% CI: -0.62-0.15) for body fat, 0.54 (95% CI: 0.35-0.72) for strength, and 0.36 (95% CI: 0.02-0.71) for power with significant differences between groups (all P < .04). I2 revealed low heterogeneity of muscle mass (15%) and power (0%) between trials and medium heterogeneity of body fat (45%) and strength (55%). We concluded that WB-electromyostimulation has significant positive effects on muscle mass, body fat, strength, and power.

Whole-Body Electromyostimulation Impacts Physiological Responses During Aerobic Running: A Randomized Trial

ABSTRACTObjective: The aim of the current study was to evaluate the physiological and metabolic responses to running with whole-body electromyostimulation (wbEMS) compared to running without electromyostimulation (control, CG). Methods: Twenty healthy participants (9 male/11 female, age 42 ±7 years) conducted an incremental step test with respiratory gas analysis until exhaustion. Trials were conducted as wbEMS and CG in a random order. As outcome measures, (A) objective total exhaustion, (B) athletic responses (max. time and velocity) and (C) physiological and metabolic responses (V’O2/ kg, V’E, EE, RER, lactate) were compared. (D) The impact on the skeletal muscle was assessed prior, 48 h & 72 h after trial. Results: During both trials, participants (A) ran until total exhaustion. Nonetheless, (B) time and velocity till exhaustion as well as (C) RER prior to the first lactate threshold and V’E were reduced with wbEMS. All other correlates did not differ significantly between wbEMS and CG. Following 48 h and 72 h after the trial with wbEMS, (D) the impact on the skeletal muscle was 7- to 9-fold higher compared to baseline values. Values differed significantly to those after running without wbEMS. Conclusion: With the additional stimulation during voluntary activation, wbEMS induces earlier fatigue and a shift in energy metabolism toward fat utilization. Even during aerobic endurance tasks, a great impact on the skeletal muscle indicated by the rise in CK could be observed which promotes wbEMS as an alternative training stimulus that is easy-to-apply and effective during endurance training.

Spatial Distribution of Muscular Effects of Acute Whole-Body Electromyostimulation at the Mid-Thigh and Lower Leg-A Pilot Study Applying Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) is an innovative training method that stimulates large areas simultaneously. In order to determine the spatial distribution of WB-EMS with respect to volume involvement and stimulation depth, we determined the extent of intramuscular edema using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a marker of structural effects. Intense WB-EMS first application (20 min, bipolar, 85 Hz, 350 µs) was conducted with eight physically less trained students without previous WB-EMS experience. Transversal T2-weighted MRI was performed at baseline and 72 h post WB-EMS to identify edema at the mid-thigh and lower leg. The depth of the edema ranged from superficial to maximum depth with superficial and deeper muscle groups of the mid-thigh or lower leg area approximately affected in a similar fashion. However, the grade of edema differed between the muscle groups, which suggests that the intensity of EMS-induced muscular contraction was not identical for all muscles. WB-EMS of the muscles via surface cuff electrodes has an effect on deeper parts of the stimulated anatomy. Reviewing the spatial and volume distribution, we observed a heterogeneous pattern of edema. We attribute this finding predominately to different stimulus thresholds of the muscles and differences in the stress resistance of the muscles.

선별적 집중 전신전기자극 훈련이 요추 불안정 대상자들의 요추 안정성 및 보행기능에 미치는 효과 : 무작위 맹검 대조군 연구

The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of selective intensive Whole-body electromyostimulation(WB-EMS) training on the lumbar stability, and gait function of subjects with lumbar instability. There were recruited 34 subjects with lumbar instability for this study. They were selected to have tested positive through the prone instability test and passive lumbar extension test. They were randomly divided into experimental group (n=17) with WB-EMS and control group (n=17) without WB-EMS, respectively. Both groups received a total of 45 minutes of intervention programs, respectively. Measurements were used before and after the intervention. The lumbar instability was measured by the single limb stance test and plank test. The gait function was used the gait analysis. The following statistical analysis was performed: an independent t-test for the general characteristics of the subjects, 2×2 analysis of variance with repeated measures for the lumbar instability and gait function. The group×time interaction effect showed significant improvement in the right single limb stance (F=5.445, p=.026), left single limb stance (F=4.245, p=.048) and plank test (F=4.341, p=.045) in lumbar stability test, And also, velocity (F=4.360, p=.045), cadence( F=4.681, p=.038), step time (F=5.261, p=.029) and step length (F=20.149, p=.000) of gait analysis. This study suggest that WB-EMS may be effective exercise for the lumbar stability and gait function in subjects with lumbar instability.

Gender Differences in Perceived Barriers and Benefitsof Whole-Body Electromyostimulation Users: A Pilot Study

The importance of physical activity (PA) in people’s health is well known. Today, sedentary lifestyles constitute a serious risk to global health. The likelihood that an individual will engage in PA depends largely on the perceived benefits and barriers to being physically active. The industry continues to create mechanisms to improve PA practice by minimizing the barriers. Thus, whole-body electrostimulation training (WB-EMS) emerged. Objective: To identify the main barriers and perceived benefits for WB-EMS users and to determine if there are differences between genders. Design: Cross-sectional study with 270 WB-EMS users from five countries. Results: There were no significant differences in barriers and perceived benefits between genders. Perceived benefits: enjoyment (70.3%), increased physical fitness (55.1%), personal accomplishment (53%), improve overall body (51.9%) and increase muscle strength (51.9%); Barriers: Take too much time from family (73.7%), take too much time from responsibilities (71.5%) and physical exercise (PE) takes a lot of time (67.4%). Conclusions: There were no significant differences between genders. The most prominent perceived benefits of using WB-EMS are enjoyment and increased physical health, and the main barriers are related to lack of time.

WB-EMS Market Development-Perspectives and Threats.

As a time-efficient and highly effective form of training, whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) enables personalised training for a wide range of users due to its personal training character and the individual control of the training intensity. However, due to misuse, negative side effects of WB-EMS have been reported in the past, resulting in expert guidelines for safe and effective WB-EMS application being issued. Furthermore, the use of WB-EMS is now legally permitted only for qualified personnel with certified equipment. This professionalization of the WB-EMS market as per the definition of quality standards for the devices and the personnel ensured a safe and effective WB-EMS application. However, recent market developments are undermining these standards through the growing of WB-EMS offers for the private sector. Hereby, most concepts focus on completely or predominately non-supervised WB application without control of potential overload by a qualified trainer. WB application is by no means trivial and the shift of responsibility for safety and effectiveness from the certified personnel to the trainees themselves is a clear step backwards in the development of WB-EMS use. We conclude that private, inadequately supervised WB-EMS application bears more dangers than potential benefits, not only for the trainees but also for the WB-EMS market as a whole.

Commentary: Editorial-Whole-body electromyostimulation: A training technology to improve health and performance in humans? volume II.

GENERAL COMMENTARY article Front. Physiol., 17 October 2022Sec. Exercise Physiology Volume 13 - 2022 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2022.1028289