Safe and effective: The potential of EMS for Muscle Atrophy

In the realm of fitness and health sports, EMS technology is now firmly established and for good reason: the EMS workout is time- efficient, highly effective and - with your own myostyle Smart Suit at home - 100% flexible.

It is especially remarkable that people with physical disabilities and illnesses can also benefit from electrical muscle stimulation (EMS). For example, this technology can be used to treat muscular dystrophy.

How safe is electrical training for muscle atrophy?

Whether it's fitness or rehabilitation, safety and compatibility are always central criteria when selecting appropriate training methods.

The roots of EMS technology lie in the field of rehabilitation, where it has been successfully used for decades as a joint-friendly method for muscle building. Training is always conducted under the guidance of trained professionals, with detailed treatment plans and frequent follow-up examinations.

In the various forms of muscular dystrophy, safe, injury-free, and non-overloading training is particularly important to avoid further damage to weakened muscles due to the disease. Numerous studies demonstrate that electrical muscle stimulation can significantly increase muscle strength and endurance in individuals with certain types of muscular dystrophy, and it is well tolerated.

DISCLAIMER:

myostyle is not a medical product. We cannot and do not wish to make any statements on medical efficacy and certainly do not make any therapy recommendations or promises of a cure.

The studies presented here offer a glimpse into the current research on EMS technology and do not aim to be exhaustive. They are authored by professionals for professionals—such as doctors, physiotherapists, and sports scientists—and should be interpreted within this specialized context. The attempt has been made to summarize the main findings concisely.

EMS Training in Muscular Dystrophies: What Science Says

Muscular dystrophy refers to a series of degenerative muscle diseases that are hereditary and characterized by an increasing loss of muscle strength [1]

Several studies exist on the use of electrical muscle stimulation as therapy for various forms of muscular dystrophy, although with relatively small study groups (sure due to the relative rarity of the condition) as well as highly diverse treatment protocols (frequency, duration, and intensity) and measurement parameters:

Improved dorsiflexion in individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD): Some older studies indicate that low-frequency electrical stimulation could strengthen the leg muscles of affected children. However, there is still significant research needed, especially in developing standardized treatment protocols. [2],[3]

Improvement in muscle strength, endurance, and various performance tests in individuals with Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy (LGMD): A study involving this patient group demonstrates that electrical stimulation has a more positive effect on muscle strength, endurance, and various performance tests compared to traditional resistance training with the same time commitment. Interestingly, different muscles showed varying levels of success; for example, the deltoid muscle (shoulder area) responded even better to electrical stimulation than the quadriceps (thigh).([4]

Improvement in muscle strength and subjective walking ability in individuals with Myotonic Dystrophy: A pilot study indicates that functional electrical stimulation was well tolerated and strengthened leg muscles better than conventional training. A second study, also focusing on leg muscles, points to improved measurement parameters and subjectively experienced walking improvement. [5],[6]

Unclear research findings in individuals with Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy (FSHD): The research evidence is mixed; in one instance, neuromuscular electrical stimulation achieved improvement in muscle functions with good tolerance, while in another case, the specific treatment protocol was ineffective. [7],[8]

However, individuals with certain conditions or injury-related limitations should always consult their treating physician regarding their suitability for any training method, as with other methods. This applies also in the case of muscular dystrophy:

If you are affected by muscular dystrophy and are considering whether EMS would be a good option for you, you should discuss this with your doctor and/or physiotherapist. It may also be advisable to consult with colleagues who have specific experience in EMS related to your diagnosis.

With medical approval, you can train safely and effectively—whether with personal guidance or through home training, using individual electrodes or a full-body EMS suit, depending on your needs.

If the myostyle EMS system is suitable for you, you can choose from a variety of sizes and fits in our shop.