Are electrical muscle stimulators effective? Muscle electrical stimulation in practical medicine

The human body is capable of self-healing, but sometimes (after suffering injuries, operations) it can take quite a long time. For a successful and faster recovery in medicine, various are used. Therefore, we will further analyze what electrical stimulation of the back muscles is, why it is useful and how it is carried out.

The technique is widely used for the rehabilitation of patients after various kinds, with impaired functioning of the nervous system, with muscle hypertonicity.

Why is the procedure useful?

The benefits of current stimulation sessions are obvious. So, The use of this technology allows to achieve the following results:

The procedure shows high results in therapy

  1. Prevention of muscle atrophy.
  2. Restoration of nutrition processes and excretion of metabolic products.
  3. Reduction of pain of any localization.
  4. Increased adaptation and muscle fatigue limit.
  5. Promoting the process of tissue regeneration.

Also, regular stimulation ensures the restoration of "feedback" with the cerebral cortex.

Due to this, the nervous regulation of muscle tissue contractions is gradually restored. This is a great achievement in the treatment of severe pathologies (paralysis, paresis).

Devices for the procedure

All devices for electrical muscle stimulation have a main unit in which a current of the required frequency and strength is generated, as well as electrodes attached to the body.

Reference. Each device has different modes of operation required for a particular muscle group.

Devices are divided into several types in accordance with their purpose:

  • professional— are used in medicine and cosmetology;
  • low power- Designed for home use.

Also, devices are distinguished based on the nature of the outgoing currents:

  1. Amplipulse-4.5, Stimulus-1- for muscle recovery and stimulation with the help of sinusoidal currents of increased frequencies, modulated by low frequencies.
  2. "Neuropulse", "UEI-1"- used for reduced electrical excitability of muscles. The currents are supplied in a rectified mode.

Various devices for muscle stimulation with current have been developed.

In medicine, there are many other devices, each of which has its own application features: "NET", "Tonus-1", "Miovolna", etc.

Electrical stimulation at home

The technique is quite simple to perform, so you can perform electrical muscle stimulation at home.

The scheme of the session includes several stages and is as follows:

Can be used at home

  • electrodes are wetted with water and placed on the affected muscle tissue and fixed with bandages;
  • wires are connected;
  • a suitable program is started on the device;
  • the current strength increases in stages, 3-4 minutes after the start of exposure to current, until muscle contractions are felt;
  • after the end of the session, the device is turned off and the electrodes are removed;
  • the skin in the area of ​​application of the electrodes is treated with a tonic for moisturizing.

It is mandatory to study the instructions for the electrical muscle stimulator, which will ensure the correct procedure and the effectiveness of treatment. If the session technique is not followed, side effects may develop.

How often can procedures be done

How often can electrical muscle stimulation be done? Treatment with a similar physiotherapy method is carried out 2-3 times a week, however, a session is allowed every other day (depending on the indications).

Reference. The therapeutic course includes 10-20 sessions.

In this case, the duration of the procedure should be approximately 20-40 minutes. Repeated course can be completed not earlier than 1 month after the previous one.

Side effects

There are practically no side effects

There are practically no side effects of electrical muscle stimulation.

The only thing to note is feeling of muscle discomfort during the session and after it.

Also, an inflammatory reaction may appear at the points of contact between the skin and the electrodes.

In order to avoid such undesirable reactions from the body, during the sessions, the patient must monitor his well-being. If discomfort occurs, even minor, the patient should inform the doctor about it.

The list of contraindications to the electrical muscle stimulator is extensive. When prescribing therapy, it must be taken into account by the doctor.

Important! The procedure can accelerate the progression of certain diseases, which will lead to undesirable consequences.

It is forbidden to carry out the procedure in the presence of such circumstances and diseases:

Has a large list of contraindications

  • oncology;
  • infectious diseases;
  • arterial hypertension;
  • epilepsy;
  • hyperthyroidism;
  • blood pathology;
  • heart failure above 2 degrees;
  • active form of rheumatism
  • the presence of pacemakers;
  • education of a benign nature;
  • atrial fibrillation;
  • phlebitis, thrombophlebitis;
  • violations of the integrity of the skin (abrasions, wounds, cuts);
  • condition after stitching muscles, tendons, nerves (for 1 month).

Do not use this method of treatment in pregnant women, since the procedures can cause an increase in the tone of the uterus, which can result in a miscarriage or premature birth (depending on the gestational age).

Conclusion

Therapy of pathologies of the nervous and muscular system does not appear without physiotherapy techniques. Among the variety of procedures, electrical stimulation is the most active and shows good results in treatment.

EMS training (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) is the effect on the muscles of a device or simulator that sends weak electrical signals through electrodes attached to the surface of the skin. In fact, the apparatus for electrical muscle stimulation generates impulses similar to real muscle contractions during strength exercises.

Advertisements for equipment and reviews of EMS training studios promise to create strong muscles and a toned athletic body in just 20 minutes of training three times a week, and homemade EMS ab belts “guarantee” relief cubes without debilitating twists. It is enough just to put on this electric belt while watching TV, while there is no need for exercises.

Unfortunately, the evidence base for EMS training is highly controversial. Even if the myostimulation method can increase muscle tone, in most cases training advertising significantly overestimates the pros (especially for losing weight and fighting cellulite) - and never talks about the cons, possible harm and contraindications. In turn, home EMS ab simulators are more like just a toy.

Who invented EMS?

The history of muscle stimulators dates back to the 18th century, when researchers discovered that a weak electrical current could provoke contractions of a certain muscle in the human body. In the 1960s, Soviet scientists announced that they had developed an innovative training mechanic for professional athletes that increased their muscle strength by a significant 40% (1) .

Later it turned out that it was more about a special restorative and rehabilitation therapy, and not at all about a technique for increasing strength and muscle mass in healthy athletes. Then, in the 1970s, in Germany they began to use the technique of electrical muscle stimulation in physiotherapy and accelerated recovery of athletes. The first EMS training studios also appeared in Germany - Bodytec and Miha.

EMS trainer - customer reviews

In terms of feedback on the actual operation of such equipment and the sensations during EMS training, most people note noticeable indications. Impulse currents seem to compress the body from all sides, forcing the muscles to contract. It is quite difficult to resist them, so even simple physical exercises become a test. During exercise, the pulse quickens, breathing may go astray.

Note that the cost professional simulator EMS can be hundreds of thousands of rubles - this pushes sellers to the methods of "black" Internet marketing, which consists in publishing fake reviews. In no other material by Fitseven do we see such a high activity of “joyful buyers”, telling in detail how satisfied they are with pumped up muscles and a thinner body.

How EMS training works

As a rule, one full workout at the EMS studio lasts about 20-30 minutes. A person puts on a special suit with electrodes, and the trainer adjusts the power of the electrical impulses for each part of the body, based on the sensations and endurance of the trainee. Then the simplest physical exercises are performed for various parts of the body - squats, flexion and extension of the arms, swings to the sides, and so on.

The final stage of the training is lymphatic drainage massage, during which you only need to lie down and enjoy the pleasant tingling sensations.

Trainings are held 2-3 times a week.

Real reviews about EMS

As a physiotherapist, he repeatedly encountered complications from impulse currents in ladies of all ages and young girls - there was a life-threatening bleeding from the uterus (rupture of the corpus luteum). It has now been convincingly proved that, even in the absence of contraindications, ladies and girls should not carry out such procedures.

After 4 workouts kneecap a liquid formed, by the evening the knee was all swollen. I went to the emergency room and the doctor said that because of the heavy load on the body, in general, he forbade such training, everyone's body is different and it is not known how he will react to such training.

First, electrical stimulation on a permanent basis adversely affects the heart; secondly, external stimulation is not a neural impulse, the muscle works without communication with the brain, where is the development of movement stereotypes?; thirdly, these studios hire anyone for the positions of coaches (look at the ads at least on the headhunter); fourthly, this trend is for the lazy and who allegedly do not have time for full-fledged training and the desire to break with their own body.

EMS training- pros and cons

The first commercial EMS personal training machines appeared in the United States in the late 1990s. Manufacturers tried to give their products and the method of myostimulation for the press as much credibility as possible, organizing all kinds of scientific congresses and developing intricate methods for certifying their own equipment - but without real scientific support.

In one such certification attempt, the wording "weight loss and weight loss device" was used - but it was vehemently rejected by regulators as misleading. As a result, EMS was certified as a treatment for muscle wasting and spasms in bedridden patients, but not as a technique for muscle growth or body contouring (2) .

EMS abs belt - does it work?

A separate area of ​​EMS technology is home exercise equipment and belts for creating a relief press. Intrusive advertising and numerous reviews of "joyful buyers" promise fat burning, instant drawing of cubes, getting rid of cellulite and other positive effects. It is enough just to buy this belt and watch TV in it - and the stomach will go away on its own.

Unfortunately, most homemade EMS ab belts are just a low quality toy from an unnamed manufacturer. Even with careful use, they fail literally in the second week. We also note that such a belt must be “glued” to the skin using replaceable gel pads or even paper tape - which means that the stomach will have to be shaved.

EMS: contraindications and harm

We also note that the EMS training method has a serious list of contraindications - from pregnancy to the presence of a number of chronic diseases - including any circulatory disorders, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, kidney failure, oncological diseases and so on. Among other things, there are risks in the presence of a common cold.

A separate group of contraindications for electrical stimulation includes people who have pacemakers and other devices for correcting the heart rhythm, as well as people who have suffered bone fractures, sprains or any damage to the skin in the recent past. However, when selling a subscription to an EMS training studio, they often “forget” to warn about this.

final opinion

Although EMS training may be effective for bedridden and paralyzed patients, it is not able to affect either muscle growth, weight loss and noticeable fat burning, getting rid of stretch marks, cellulite, or any other improvement in body contouring. In addition, the EMS method has a significant list of contraindications and is not recommended even for a serious cold.

Manufacturers of EMS trainers have been repeatedly fined for false advertising and misleading claims that the muscle stimulation technique can replace power training and create "an iron press completely effortless and without a drop of shed sweat" (3) . At the same time, most of the rave reviews on the Internet are most likely fake, written by order of manufacturers.

***

EMS training increases muscle tone exclusively in untrained people and in paralyzed patients, while not affecting either fat burning or getting rid of cellulite. It is also important that manufacturers of such equipment have repeatedly been fined for misleading advertising that EMS simulators able to "create muscle without effort".

Scientific sources:

  1. Russian electrical stimulation: the early experiments,
  2. FDA: Import Alert 89-01,
  3. FTC Charges Three Top-selling Electronic Abdominal Exercise Belts with Making False Claims,

The manufacturers of the muscle stimulator claim that it can be used to remove overweight without exhausting diets and exercises. The device, imitating the signals of the central nervous system, has a beneficial effect on the muscles in certain areas of the body where the sensors are located, as a result of which they begin to work. Let us consider in more detail what benefits the use of the device brings and whether there is any harm from it.

What is a myostimulator, types and purpose of the device

This is a medical device with which you can carry out myostimulation. It is expressed in the fact that a person is affected by current pulses with different frequencies. Other procedures can be carried out using this device.

It all depends on how often and with what force the current will act on a person. From this, the effect rendered by the device is determined.

Myostimulators are:

  1. Wireless. They can be worn throughout the day. They operate on batteries, and therefore cannot have a strong effect on tissues and break down fat. The effect of their use is negligible.
  2. Stationary. Consist of power supply, control center and sensors. They can be professional or semi-professional. Effectively affect fat cells and break them down. With the help of such devices, you can quite successfully correct the figure.

The benefits of myostimulator and myostimulation for the body

With proper use of the device, you can effectively treat:

  • CNS lesions;
  • enuresis;
  • joint pathology;
  • vascular diseases;
  • bedsores;
  • scoliosis.

A muscle stimulator is often used to prevent the appearance of edema, with fractures, sprains and bruises. With myostimulation, the rehabilitation period is reduced, pain disappears. The effectiveness of the device in the treatment of the gastrointestinal tract, normalization of blood flow and muscle tone has been proven.

The device will help the muscles recover quickly after a load on the body. The maximum effect will be when a professional device is used and remote devices are accurately distributed on the body. The procedure should be carried out by an experienced doctor, physiotherapist.

You should not use myostimulators on your own, as negative reactions may occur, for example, irritation and burns of the skin at the place where the electrodes are installed, discomfort during the use of the device or after the procedure.

Body shaping

With this procedure, the muscle stimulator improves muscle tone. A special program is used for this. The device emits waves in a certain sequence and combination. First, a relaxation program is carried out, during which the cells are heated, and then lymphatic drainage.

Often, after such procedures, the skin at the site of electrode installation does not look the best. This is where you need to tighten it up. Such manipulation is also performed with the help of a myostimulator.

Fat removal

This procedure, unfortunately, cannot completely remove subcutaneous fat and make an athletic figure. The device only stimulates the muscles and prevents them from atrophying.

Lift

The device is able to tighten the skin on the face and chin. It also reduces the depth of wrinkles. The impulses emitted by the device warm the tissues and stimulate their contraction.

When using a muscle stimulator, a person needs to make a minimum of effort. Procedures are easily performed on professional devices.

Harm and side effects

If used incorrectly and for a long time, portable devices can cause harm. Stationary devices in this case can become killers. When the heart is in the path of current flow, it can lead to cardiac arrest.

It is worth abandoning the use of cheap models of myostimulators. Poor-quality manufacturing materials lead to skin damage at the electrode installation site. Incorrect programs emit harmful impulses that will negatively affect the functioning of organs and will cause exacerbation of chronic pathologies or the formation of tumors.

Usually, problems arise when used by those who have purchased a myostimulator for private use in free sale without a certificate. If used incorrectly, portable devices may not give any result or cause complications. Therefore, for those who do not have experience with such a device, it is better to refuse to use it.

Contraindications

These devices have their contraindications. Therefore, before using them, you should consult a doctor. The most common contraindications:

  • myocardial diseases;
  • pregnancy;
  • stones in the kidneys;
  • chronic alcoholism;
  • mental disorders;
  • oncology;
  • inflammatory processes;
  • pathology of the endocrine system;
  • tuberculosis;
  • increased sensitivity of the body to the impulses of the device;
  • thrombophlebitis;
  • circulatory disorders;
  • hernia;
  • epilepsy.

It is worth refusing to use a pacemaker in the presence of a pacemaker in the body.

Do not place electrodes in the groin area. The device can increase blood flow to the pelvic organs. There may be severe consequences.

Before using the device during lactation, it is also worth consulting with your doctor. After a stroke, to restore the functions of the limbs, it is recommended to use myostimulation only as directed by a specialist.

When using the device yourself, you need to know simple rules:

  1. Skin contact with the electrodes should be tight.
  2. The duration of the session is no more than 30 minutes.
  3. There should be no contraindications.
  4. No food should be taken 1 hour before the procedure.

What are the benefits of using a muscle stimulator, and what is the danger? We learn the whole truth about muscle stimulators from the video from Vladimir Molodov:

It is worth noting that this device can have a positive effect on the body if used correctly with the participation of a specialist. Otherwise, the muscle stimulator will become dangerous for a person and can lead to his death. The first sessions should be carried out under the supervision of a doctor.

In contact with

Big greetings to all. Many times I thought about trying EMS training. Once I did an advertisement for one club, so clients said more positive things. The Chinese are not far behind and also offer similar things. IN Lately quite often in advertising and discounts slipped this product. A lot of people are afraid to buy this. but we decided and purchased. Looking ahead, I will say right away - I did not expect ...




Description from the site
SHANDONG (SHANDONG) Muscle Training Gear - This is a muscle stimulator to strengthen your muscles. Without even lifting a finger, achieve the body of your dreams. There are two versions (belly pad and shoulder pad), depending on which muscle group you want to achieve the desired effect. The soft PU pad hugs the contours of your skin comfortably and neatly, while the electrodes using silk printing and conductive gel sheets distribute the pulses effectively.

Video of a more serious modulator, but the principle of operation is the same

Operating principle
Now we will move on to the complex processes that take place in the body. For many, it is no secret that they need irritation to activate the muscles. In everyday life, stimulation is triggered through the central nervous system, spinal cord, nerve fibers and transmitted to the corresponding muscles. These endogenous stimuli are, in a physical sense, electrical in nature. The EMS simulator uses the effect inherent in the body and enhances our native stimulus by external influence, thereby causing the muscles to contract stronger and more efficiently. In general terms, EMS is a purposeful amplification of one's own electrical stimuli from the outside.

Packing and shipping

We received the goods in 14 days. Delivery in Ukraine is now carried out by new mail. One product I received in general for 8 days. At least some positive aspects began to emerge with delivery. The product is in a thick cardboard box with a lot of inscriptions. Not damaged and intact. You are unlikely to take someone for a gift, although if for this purpose (maybe close people). Inside is also all whole. The packaging is just great. Thick foam rubber with cutouts for accessories.







Equipment

The kit includes multi-page instructions for English language, power supply, dual usb-microUSB cable for simultaneous charging of two control washers with brains. There is also a resealable transparent bag for storage and transportation and laminated paper (I don’t know what it is for). There is also a cutout in the foam rubber for the third control washer, but only two are included in the kit.







Characteristics

There is no particular information in the store, it is only indicated that there are 6 modes of operation and 9 speeds. Looking ahead, I’ll say that it’s already “chopping” at 2-3 speeds, then it’s possible only on large muscles.

Here is a small photo with the parameters from the instructions.

In the instructions itself, there are still many warnings that patients should not use it, pregnant women and those with personal intolerance.
Charging time 20 minutes. The red light is on while charging and turns off when it is finished.

Photos instructions















Measurements and dimensions







Management and use

On the main washer (I will call it that) there are three control buttons. The M button is responsible for selecting the stimulation mode, and the + and - buttons are responsible for the intensity (power). As they say in the instructions, you need to go full circle, i.e. six modes to work out the muscle. Choose the intensity based on your feelings. For me, the second mode was immediately shocking. Later, of course, the situation became better when I began to understand that it was happening at all. It also has a micro usb port for charging. The coating of the soft touch puck is pleasant. Everything is done well enough.





















Included are two butterflies and one platform for the press. Butterflies can be placed on almost any muscle, except, of course, the neck and face (and other intimate parts of the body). Butterflies and the platform are glued to the plates. To use, peel off the protective plate. The contacts are coated with a hydrogel that will adhere to the skin and improve conductivity. Enough of this gel for 30 times of use. Then you can still extend the period by washing with water (as indicated in the instructions). Then you need to replace the hydrogel plates. I haven’t found where to buy them yet, but the store has straight butterflies and a platform for the press, which are sold without washers. They cost about $14. There are also other varieties of butterflies. We will look for this gel. There are many options for the query “conductive gel”, but you need one that is attached, i.e. was sticky.
The device automatically turns off after 20 minutes of use.





















Impression

Immediately checked on the biceps. Turned on the first mode and the first power position. There was a slight tingling sensation. As soon as I turned on the second power mode, then I was just shocked. I wanted to scream. The hand itself rose, the biceps tensed and began to twitch in time with the work of the regime. A minute later, the feeling is completely different. You begin to understand how everything works. During work, you can try to unbend or bend your arm, this does not give an even greater effect. If used on the legs, then in the work mode, you can do a squat. The effect is very noticeable. I sometimes go to the gym, I know the sensations of muscle work. Here the effect is of course a little different, but the muscles tense in some modes much more than when working with dumbbells or a barbell. Having studied many forums, everyone says that such training works out the muscles in more detail and is an additional training from the main strength in the gym. To be honest, I was a little tired after 20 minutes. The muscles also felt good that they were at work. The press hurts now. The thing is that you are still trying to resist when the stimulant itself is working, which causes an additional load and improves work.

An example of the operation of several modes. Tested on the first day. Feelings are ambiguous, but later you get used to it and you understand everything.

Conclusion
In general, I want to say that the effect exceeded expectations. Honestly, I would not have thought that it would be so cool. It's just beyond words, but the muscles, regardless of you, begin to work and tighten. This device works. If you spend a lot of time in a chair, then your muscles definitely do not receive such loads. Here you can knead them in this way, that's for sure, and if you still do exercises in time with work, then the effect will be better for sure. This is not a panacea for obesity, not a magic thing for the press, lying on the couch, but there is definitely an effect. After 5 minutes you get used to it, you begin to understand how the muscle works. Even Lena did not want to, but then she calmly spent 20 minutes doing such a workout. There were as many smiles and laughter during the test as there had been in a very long time. It was the most fun and interesting unboxing I have ever seen so far.

No matter how great everything is, there is one significant drawback - this is a conductive gel, which is a consumable. If you use it for its intended purpose, then out of the box it can last for 1-2 months if you practice daily, but in fact, in two days we got to the point that it began to stick badly. I washed it with a little water, dried it and held on again, but soon the plates needed to be changed. I don't know where to get them yet. I bought it solely for review and did not hope that this device would be pleasant to use. It's just that on the first day we glued one butterfly to different muscles. It was interesting. Thank you all for your attention. Friends, I tried to explain and tell how I understand and how it is. Until new reviews.

I plan to buy +39 Add to favorites Liked the review +47 +104