Many people are apprehensive about the word "electrostimulation." It seems like a strange and unnatural practice. Should you trust it? In this blog post, we present the results of studies conducted by universities and independent laboratories.

THE REAL BENEFITS OF ELECTROSTIMULATION

Here are the main benefits highlighted by the studies:

  • Increase in strength: +27%
  • Increase in explosiveness: +15%
  • Increase in vertical jump: +14%
  • Increase in muscle volume: +8%
  • Increase in VO2max: +7%
  • Reduction in blood lactate concentration: -40%

ELECTROSTIMULATION: STRENGTH INCREASE OF +27%

As mentioned, there are numerous interesting research studies. Here, we reveal the most compelling and illustrative findings.

One of the most thorough studies showcasing the performance enhancement through EMS was conducted by the Faculty of Sport Sciences at the University of Burgundy, Dijon, France.

In 2005, this institution began research to evaluate the effect of electrostimulation training on neural training (neuromuscular system conditioning) and muscle architecture. By doing so, they were following the path of other authors who had already reported excellent results, such as Maffiuletti, Malatesta, and Chanteur. Consequently, this research aimed to build on the foundation established by these previous studies and further explore the potential benefits of electrostimulation training.

In this study, 20 athletes were divided into 2 groups (8 in the control group) and after 8 weeks, improvements in the knee extensor muscles (quadriceps) were evaluated. The research results were projected using electromyography, ultrasound, and dynamometers.

Key findings included:

  • A 27% increase in maximal voluntary contraction after 8 weeks
  • Improvement in maximal strength due to musculo-neurological adaptation to electrostimulation training
  • Increase in neurological response speed after 4 weeks
  • Hypertrophic increase in muscle mass by 5-10% from the 4th to the 8th week

These data are fascinating in themselves. They become even more so when combined with other studies showing how proper use of electrostimulation can enhance strength even in muscles not directly stimulated.

A man exercising.

ELECTROSTIMULATION: AN EFFECTIVE RECOVERY TOOL

Several studies have been conducted on this topic. For instance, an article published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research in 2009 examined a group of swimmers who swam 200 meters in open water.

After the effort, one group of athletes recovered using electrostimulation, while the control group simply rested.

By analyzing muscle lactate levels 10 and 20 minutes after the performance, it was observed that the decrease in lactate levels was more significant in the subjects who recovered with electrostimulation (-16 to -18%) compared to those who recovered passively (-12 to -13%). Specifically, the decline in lactate was more pronounced in the electrostimulation group, indicating a more effective recovery method. Conversely, the subjects who underwent passive recovery exhibited a relatively smaller reduction in lactate levels.

What does this mean?

  • Less sensation of fatigue
  • Faster return to muscle homeostasis (muscles will be ready quicker for another training session)

Another study in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, involving 28 rugby and football players, provided even more significant evidence. This research not only demonstrated a chemical response perspective with reduced creatine phosphokinase levels, but it also revealed a positive change in the athletes' perception of their body's fatigue 24 hours after training.

Moreover, a 2014 study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research shows a 40% reduction in blood lactate concentration with EMS compared to passive recovery (sitting on a chair).

Therefore, electrostimulation clearly accelerates muscle recovery, which is a key point in sports training.

A girl recovering with Compex

Bibliography:

Proven Effectiveness

Backed by clinical studies proving their effectiveness, Compex stimulators also belong to the category of Class II medical devices. They also meet the needs of the European Medical Standard 93/42 EEC.

Compex - Always with you

We're on the side of athletes, amateurs and ordinary people, from the search for improved performance to post injury recovery, from post fatigue massage to pain treatment. At Compex, we have just one goal: people's well being.

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