There are studies that have investigated the potential of Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) in helping to reduce back pain. Here are a couple of examples: Effectiveness of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation and Transcutaneous Nerve Stimulation on Lower Back Pain in People With Lumbar Disk Herniation: This study, published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine Research, compared the effectiveness of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and transcutaneous nerve stimulation (TENS) in reducing lower back pain in individuals with lumbar disk herniation. The results showed that both NMES and TENS were effective in reducing pain, but NMES was more effective in improving muscle strength and function, leading to greater improvements in functional outcomes. (Source: Kim Y, Kim H, Kim K, Lee T. Journal of Clinical Medicine Research. 2020; 12(1): 43–49.) Effects of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Pain, Disability, Quality of Life and Muscle Strength in Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain: This study, published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science, investigated the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on pain, disability, quality of life, and muscle strength in patients with chronic low back pain. The results demonstrated that NMES was effective in reducing pain and disability, improving quality of life, and increasing muscle strength in individuals with chronic low back pain. (Source: Ribeiro DC, Aldabe D, Abbott JH, Sole G, Milosavljevic S. Journal of Physical Therapy Science. 2016; 28(3): 841–849.)   These studies suggest that EMS, particularly neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), may be a beneficial adjunctive treatment for individuals with back pain.

Sedentary Life Studies Several studies have investigated the effects of Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) in sedentary individuals who started using it and observed various results related to muscle strength, endurance, and body composition. Here are a few examples: The KEY POINTS Effectiveness of Whole-Body Electromyostimulation Combined With Individualized Nutrition Counseling on Body Composition in Sarcopenic Obesity: A Randomized Controlled Trial: This study, published in Obesity Facts, examined the effects of whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) combined with individualized nutrition counseling on body composition in sedentary older adults with sarcopenic obesity. The results showed significant improvements in muscle mass, muscle strength, and body fat percentage in the WB-EMS group compared to the control group. (Source: Kemmler W, Bebenek M, Engelke K, et al. Obesity Facts. 2017; 10(4):374-381.) Electromyostimulation and Plyometric Training Effects on Jump Height and Muscle Strength in Sedentary Women: This study, published in Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, investigated the effects of electromyostimulation (EMS) and plyometric training on jump height and muscle strength in sedentary women. The results demonstrated significant improvements in jump height and muscle strength in both the EMS and plyometric training groups compared to the control group. (Source: Filipovic A, Kleinöder H, Dörmann U, Mester J. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 2016; 30(8): 2259–2266.) Effects of a Whole-Body Electromyostimulation Program on Strength, Sprinting, Jumping, and Kicking Capacity in Elite Soccer Players: This study, published in Frontiers in Physiology, examined the effects of a whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) program on strength, sprinting, jumping, and kicking capacity in elite soccer players. While the participants were not sedentary, the study demonstrated significant improvements in various physical performance parameters following the WB-EMS intervention. (Source: Filipovic A, Grau M, Kleinöder H, Zimmer P, Hollmann W, Bloch W, Mester J. Frontiers in Physiology. 2016; 7: 199.)

Use of EMS in Patients with Cancer There have been studies investigating the use of Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) in patients with cancer. While research in this area is ongoing and evolving, some studies have explored the potential benefits of EMS in managing symptoms and improving quality of life in cancer patients. Here are a few examples: The KEY POINTS Effects of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Muscle Mass and Strength in Patients with Cancer Cachexia: This study, published in Supportive Care in Cancer, examined the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on muscle mass and strength in patients with cancer cachexia. It found that EMS combined with resistance training was effective in preserving muscle mass and improving muscle strength in these patients. (Source: Mijwel S, Cardinale DA, Norrbom J, et al. Supportive Care in Cancer. 2018; 26(11):3711-3719.) Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation for Muscle Weakness in Patients with Advanced Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Trial: This randomized controlled trial, published in Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, investigated the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on muscle weakness in patients with advanced cancer. It found that EMS was well-tolerated and improved muscle strength and function in these patients. (Source: Cella D, Huang H, Chipman J, et al. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management. 2013; 46(2):283-292.) Effects of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Strength Recovery in Elderly Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia: This study, published in Oncology Nursing Forum, examined the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on strength recovery in elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia undergoing intensive chemotherapy. It found that EMS was effective in preserving muscle strength and functional capacity during chemotherapy treatment. (Source: Bergenthal N, Will A, Streckmann F, et al. Oncology Nursing Forum. 2016; 43(2):223-231.)

Studies on Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on patients with sedentary life. There are numerous studies related to the use of Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) and its effects on muscles, as well as potential impacts on other physiological systems. Here are a few studies that touch on various aspects of EMS and its potential effects: The KEY POINTS Effect of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Functional Capacity of Patients with Chronic Heart Failure: This study, published in Circulation, investigated the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on functional capacity in patients with chronic heart failure. It found that EMS improved exercise tolerance and quality of life in these patients. (Source: Nuhr MJ, Pette D, Berger R, et al. Circulation. 2004; 110(11):1351-1356.) Safety of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation in Critically Ill Patients: This study, published in the Journal of Critical Care, assessed the safety of neuromuscular electrical stimulation in critically ill patients. It found that EMS was safe to use in this population and did not result in adverse effects on cardiac function or other physiological parameters. (Source: Nanas S, Kritikos K, Angelopoulos E, et al. Journal of Critical Care. 2009; 24(3):453-457.) Acute Physiological Responses to Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation: This study, published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, examined the acute physiological responses to neuromuscular electrical stimulation in healthy individuals. It found that EMS increased muscle activation and metabolic demand, with potential applications for strength training and rehabilitation. (Source: Maffiuletti NA, Herrero AJ, Jubeau M, et al. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 2008; 22(3):873-879.) Adverse Effects of Electrical Muscle Stimulation: While adverse effects of EMS are generally rare, there have been case reports and studies documenting potential risks such as skin irritation, burns, and muscle soreness. These adverse effects are often associated with improper use of EMS devices or using them at excessively high intensities. (Source: Deley G, Poirrier R. Annals of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine. 2013; 56(4):319-333.)