EMS/NMES Studies

are there many controlled EMS/NMES Studies out there? if so links anyone?

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=2674035&dopt=AbstractPlus

The response to treatment of high intensity neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) to both quadriceps femoris muscles as an adjunct to ongoing weight training was evaluated using a single subject experimental design. For an elite weight lifter weekly maximal measurements of snatch (S), clean and jerk (CJ), and front squat (SQ) were obtained over 4 months during which the subject weight trained daily for 3 h. The 1st month, baseline data were collected. After baseline measurements, a 1-month period of high-intensity NMES was added to the subject’s weight training. NMES was then withdrawn for 1 month and administered once more for 2 weeks. Three quadriceps femoris muscle biopsies were taken, two during the initial baseline period and one just before the end of the first stimulation period. The results showed a significant and clear relationship between performance gains and NMES administration and withdrawal. Steep gains for S, CJ, and SQ were seen after 2 weeks of stimulation, with front squat showing a 20-kg increase within the 1st week of both stimulation periods. Muscle biopsy showed an increased type I fiber area, decreased type IIa and IIb fiber area, and an increase of type II fibers after NMES. The results of this study support the use of high-dose NMES as an adjunct to weight training in elite lifters.


Muscle biopsy showed an increased type I fiber area, decreased type IIa and IIb fiber area, and an increase of type II fibers after NMES.

does the study conclude that type II fibres are decreased? isn’t that bad for a power lifter/sprinter

or i maybe confused with the syntax!

any ideas/more links folks? or anecdotal evidence?

Did performance improve or decline?

That’s the best test.

Also, there was only one subject–not enough results to be significant to everyone else except to say it could have promise.

has anybody noticed performance increases of sorts with an EMS? i never used a really good one, only doctor ho’s version.

mmmm, i dont know if i gained or not from ems sprinting wise, but i def noticed an increase in core strength, solid rocks down there!

There are absolutely loads! There is a guy in france that researches it extensivly called Dr Nicola Maffiuletti. http://www.schulthess-klinik.ch/app/article/index.cfm?fuseaction=OpenArticle&aoid=8112&lang=DE

thanks top cat! good man.