Use of electrical muscle stimulators for body building

What is the normal functioning of our muscles?

As soon as we plan an activity, a stimulus is sent to the brain and brain sends an impulse to contract the muscle fiber.  As the muscle contracts, a wave rolls through it and a co ordinate forceful movement takes place.

Single group of muscle fibers get easily exhausted, hence body has adopted strategies to provide a longer endurance. The energy efficient ‘red’ or slow twitch fibers are used first during a voluntary contraction, but they are not very powerful. After this, strong ‘white’ or fast twitch fibers take over to handle the overload. There are some white fibers are left by the muscle to act as reserve to meet more demands hence, it is relatively impossible to willingly contract all fibers simultaneously.

Basic principles of EMS

The electric muscle stimulation machine works directly on the muscles and is capable of firing all the motor neurons simultaneously which was not possible with voluntary efforts. It works directly on the muscle group, creates an uncoordinated and primarily an isometric contraction. 

With restoration of body’s energy conservation system on one hand, the EMS also activates muscle fibers at a high intensity which creates a ‘spill over’ and stimulates remaining fibers also apart from fully contracted ones. 

This induces a supra maximal impulse conduction and leads to conversion of intermediate fibers into white fibers, thus allowing an athlete to experience a diverse work out stimulus which is not attainable by any other means.

Uses of EMS in sports training

Enhancement of maximum strength

When compared to voluntary muscle contractions, the muscle tension generated in a maximal EMS contraction was found to be 30% higher.

Effective means of recovery

 Establishing the fitness fundamentals first, the EMS should be used as a strength development tool for long term sustenance of career. 

Rehabilitation tool

For the rehabilitation, the EMS should be used synergistically with increasing weights to the muscle groups. 

Motor learning and muscle firing tool

Muscle groups like quadriceps, hamstrings, glutei and erector spinae are important for strong working of hip and knee. Similarly foot muscles can be stimulated in cases of weakening or in conditions like flat foot.

Can body builders be benefitted?

Uses of EMS as a body building application is something many people haven’t heard of. Trained coaches are now using portable electric muscle stimulator to increase the muscle density in body builders. This is just like breaking through the barrier for those who want a ‘puffy’ muscle. It also temporarily burns off a layer of fat in small areas which restores after a while. So, even lean people competing for body building can use it prior to the event and cover up to keep warm till final event. 

Tips for maximal benefits

•          Recruit large muscle groups.
•          Do it before going to bed and after two hours of activity.
•          Do not use creams, gels before its application.
•          Always elevate the area under treatment.