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Introduction to EMS (electrical muscle stimulation)
EMS devices generate electrical impulses that trigger an action potential in
muscle nerve fibers (motor neurons). In response to this, the motor neuron
produces a response known as a twitch. Twitches performed in succession
generated by EMS are the same as a muscle contraction generated by the
nervous system in response to regular exercise. The work performed by the
muscle fibers varies according to the frequency (# of pulses per second) of the
electrical stimulation – 10 impulses per second produces low excitement of
fibers and 100 impulses per second produces high working power in
the fibers.
What can ems do?
Electromuscle stimulation can accomplish three things that are outside of the
brain's capabilities:
• It can recruit up to 100% of the muscle fibers in any muscle group, to
perform work or exercise. The brain can only recruit (use) about 45-50% of the
muscle fibers.
• It can target specific muscle fibers: slow twitch, fast twitch, very fast
twitch fibers… the brain cannot discern between these fiber types.
• It can create more muscle activity in muscles being worked. The brain has
a “limiting switch” that always keeps some of the muscle in reserve for
emergency purposes.
What are the benefits of ems?
Scientific research has demonstrated that there are several physiological
benefits to using EMS in conjunction with a traditional training program for
fitness and sports performance:
• Recruitment of fast-twitch fibers
The “size principle” or the “Henneman
law” determines the way muscles respond during exercise whereby the
smallest motor units (slow twitch) are activated first because of their low
action potential. As demand on the muscle increases, the larger motor units
(fast twitch) begin to activate. With EMS, this is reversed; the fast twitch
muscles are activated first, thus initiating maximal eccentric movements which
also focus on the fast twitch muscle fibers. This is a boon to those athletes
who are required to perform maximal eccentrics and plyometrics which can be
taxing to the joints and nervous system. Using EMS these athletes can reduce
their volume of these training sessions and get better results with less risk
of injury.
• Increase in Muscle Strength
Numerous studies have shown
significant strength gains with EMS. Using an EMS unit for 10 minutes
three times per week for three weeks, sprinters gained 52% in strength.
(Ratton and Cometti) Boxers using EMS on the triceps had strength gains
of 18.5% in the same three weeks with a similar protocol. (Champion and
