
However, while most protocols use similar impulse settings (e.g., bipolar, 80–85 Hz, 300–400 μs, intermitted), two fundamentally different WB-EMS concepts have evolved and should be considered when classifying WB-EMS. Although there are a multitude of possible protocols, WB-EMS in its most common setting applies short impulse phases (4–6 s) intermitted by short phases of rest (4 s) with moderate to high impulse intensity for about 20 min. Whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) is an ever more popular training technology that can stimulate multiple muscle groups simultaneously with regionally dedicated intensity.
Ipulse muscle stimulator reviews trial#
This work provided further evidence for significant, large-sized effects of WB-EMS on muscle mass and strength parameters, but not on body fat mass.Ĭlinical Trial Registration:, PROSPERO ID: CRD42020183059. However, rank and regression tests did not indicate positive evidence for small-study bias and funnel plot asymmetries. I 2 and Q-statistics revealed substantial heterogeneity of muscle and fat mass changes between the trials. SMD for body fat changes (−0.40, ), however, did not reach significance. Impulse protocols of the studies were roughly comparable, but training frequency (1–5 sessions/week) and intervention length (6–54 weeks) differed between the studies. Studies vary considerably with respect to age, BMI, and physical conditions. In summary, 16 studies with 19 individual WB-EMS groups representing 897 participants were included. Standardized mean differences (SMD) for muscle mass parameters, total body fat mass, maximum leg extension, and trunk extension strength were defined as outcome measures.

We searched eight electronic databases up to June 30, 2020, without language restrictions. A systematic review of the literature according to the PRISMA statement included (a) controlled trials, (b) WB-EMS trials with at least one exercise and one control group, (c) WB-EMS as primary physical intervention, (d) WB-EMS with at least six electrodes covering most muscle groups, (e) non-athletic cohorts. This systematic review and meta-analysis set out to determine the efficacy on whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) on body composition and strength parameters in non-athletic cohorts. 6Faculty Medical and Life Sciences, University of Furtwangen, Villingen-Schwenningen, Germany.5German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany.4Department of Sports Science, Technische Universität Kaiserslauter, Kaiserslautern, Germany.3Faculty of Sport, Health, and Social Sciences, Solent University, Southampton, United Kingdom.

