The following research completed by Weissenfels and colleagues in 2018 determined whether 1 x 20-minute Whole-Body EMS (WB-EMS) session per week can improve symptoms of chronic lower back pain compared to non-training individuals.

RESEARCH DESCRIPTION

The researchers aim to determine if 12 weeks of WB-EMS training will reduce lower back pain and frequency and increase core strength. A group of 30 participants (age: 40 -70 years) who is experiencing chronic lower back pain agreed to participate in the study. Half of the participants were assigned for one WB-EMS training x 20 minutes session per week for 12 weeks, while the other half were assigned to continue their lifestyle and no physical activity was completed.

RESEARCH RESULTS:

• Pain intensity decreased significantly for WB-EMS group, where no change observed in the other group.
• Frequency of lower back pain decreased significantly for WB-EMS group compared to the other group.
• The strength of the lower back muscles increased significantly by 15% ± 19% while no change was observed for the counter parts.

CONCLUSION

Whole-Body EMS training was found to be an effective, timesaving, low impact training method for reducing lower back pain. WB-EMS also improved the strength of the core muscles which aids in preventing future lower back issues and injuries.
Based on EMS research done by Weissenfels and colleagues in 2018.