Groundbreaking Mayo Clinic Study: EMS Training as an Innovative Addition to Physiotherapy



Apr 28, 2025



Musculoskeletal | News | Older People | Pain | Rehabilitation | Sponsored | Sports physiotherapy | Technology



Administrator

Scientifically Proven: One EMS Session Per Week Can Deliver Significant Health Benefits

A recent study by the Mayo Clinic, in collaboration with Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, has demonstrated the effectiveness of just one 20-minute whole-body electrical muscle stimulation (WB-EMS) session per week. The results show that WB-EMS improves physical function, muscle activation, and body composition, offering significant advantages over traditional exercise regimens. This innovation holds great promise for physiotherapists looking to enhance patient outcomes.

Mayo Clinic’s Role in Medical Research: The Mayo Clinic, known for its world-leading medical research and clinical excellence, has set a new precedent in advancing treatment options. This latest study underscores WB-EMS as a scientifically validated and impactful method for rehabilitation, aligning with its reputation as a global leader in healthcare innovation.

Study Overview – WB-EMS vs Conventional Training: In a 16-week, randomised controlled trial, healthy adults were divided into two groups:

Intervention group: Received EMS-enhanced training (one 20-minute session per week)
Control group: Engaged in traditional exercise without EMS stimulation

Key Findings – Benefits of One Weekly EMS Session: The study highlighted numerous advantages of WB-EMS:

Enhanced Muscle Activation: EMS stimulates all major muscle groups simultaneously, providing more effective muscle engagement than conventional training.
Improved Functional Performance: EMS enhances core muscle strength and stability, crucial for mobility and injury prevention.
Optimised Body Composition: EMS participants saw reduced fat mass and a better waist-to-hip ratio, improving metabolic health.
Time Efficiency: EMS delivers comparable or better results in less time, ideal for patients with busy schedules.
Joint-Friendly: Unlike traditional exercise, EMS is gentle on joints, making it suitable for patients with musculoskeletal conditions or mobility restrictions.
Implications for Physiotherapists: For physiotherapy professionals, WB-EMS offers a scientifically-backed tool for enhancing rehabilitation, particularly for those with limited mobility or chronic pain. Key benefits include:

Evidence-Based Approach: EMS is now proven as a valid therapy, not just a trend.

Time-Efficient: One 20-minute session weekly is enough to see measurable improvements, offering a practical solution for patients with limited time or physical capacity.
Effective for All Patients: EMS is particularly beneficial for older adults and those recovering from injury or unable to perform high-impact exercise.
With its ability to improve muscle strength, cardiovascular health, and body composition in a short time, WB-EMS is an innovative addition to physiotherapy practices.

This Mayo Clinic study sets the stage for WB-EMS to become a cornerstone in physiotherapy, providing effective, low-impact training for diverse patient needs. Physiotherapists should explore integrating EMS into their practices to maximise patient outcomes and advance rehabilitation strategies.