Practical comparison of whole-body electrostimulation and neuromuscular electrical stimulation

What is the difference between whole-body electrostimulation and neuromuscular electrical stimulation?

Whole-body electrostimulation (WB-EMS) and neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) are based on the same electrotherapeutic method: muscle stimulation. A clearly defined electrical pulse is used to evoke muscle contractions. The basic principle is therefore the same, but there are important differences in what and how they are applied. Whole-body stimulation is more aimed at improving general muscle strength and conditioning, whereas NMES can focus on a single muscle or muscle group and provides very precise treatment.

WB-EMS uses a special suit or electrode system that stimulates all major muscle groups simultaneously, allowing time-efficient, joint-friendly whole-body sessions.

In contrast, NMES typically treats only a single specific muscle or muscle group at a time using self-adhesive electrodes. It has been used for decades in therapy to strengthen certain muscles or muscle groups or to support regeneration. Today it is increasingly used among athletes as well.

Electrostimulation in sport and athletic performance

How do athletes use electrostimulation?

Many athletes—from Olympic elite competitors like sprinter Usain Bolt and footballer Lionel Messi to recreational gym-goers—have incorporated electrostimulation into their training routines.

Electrostimulation is used as a complementary tool to activate hard-to-reach muscle fibers and to increase training efficiency. For example, an athlete might use a portable NMES device on the hamstrings after training to boost blood circulation and regeneration. By recruiting fast-twitch IIb fibers that contribute to explosiveness, movement speed can be enhanced—focusing, for instance, on a throwing motion or on increasing a footballer’s shot power.

WB-EMS provides whole-body stimulation and is therefore used for short, intense sessions (e.g. 20-minute trainings). Since it can recruit a high percentage of muscle fibers, it can improve strength and performance in a time-efficient way.

Research shows that after 3–6 weeks of EMS-augmented training significant improvements may occur—one study found approximately 60% (isometric) and ~80% (dynamic) increases in maximal strength, as well as improvements in vertical jump and sprint speed.

These results indicate that EMS can effectively complement traditional strength training, offering "clear time-management advantages" for athletes.

Strength, endurance and injury prevention with electrostimulation

Both WB-EMS and targeted NMES can help athletes improve strength and endurance.

WB-EMS applied on top of exercises has been shown to improve muscle strength, maximal strength and even endurance performance by intensifying muscle fiber recruitment. By inducing contractions in many fibers (including deep stabilizers and fast-contracting fibers), WB-EMS training can lead to muscle hypertrophy and strength gains with minimal joint stress.

Athletes can also use NMES to address muscle imbalances or to "pre-activate" specific muscles during warm-up, potentially reducing injury risk by improving muscle firing patterns. According to high-level EMS manufacturers (Globus, Compex), EMS helps correct muscle imbalances and relieve tension, thus potentially aiding injury prevention.

Of course, EMS is an adjunct, not a substitute, for sport-specific training.

EMS alone cannot reproduce all the benefits of actual training (such as cardiovascular and metabolic adaptations), so athletes should combine EMS with regular training for optimal results.

Recovery and muscle soreness treatment

Athletes often use NMES at low intensity after training as a recovery method. Gentle electrical pulsing increases local blood flow and helps remove metabolites. NMES is particularly useful when active cooldown is not possible (for example, using NMES on the legs during post-competition travel).

The effect of EMS on recovery has been less extensively studied; evidence is still accumulating. It appears that muscle stimulation is at least as effective as light active recovery and massage in lactate clearance and in reducing muscle soreness.

Many athletes appreciate that NMES allows for "passive" recovery—the stimulation increases muscle circulation without additional effort.

Post-injury rehabilitation for athletes

After injury, athletes frequently use NMES to maintain muscle tone and prevent atrophy in an immobilized limb.

It is proven, for example, that after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) knee surgery, rehabilitation programs that include NMES help restore quadriceps strength faster than exercises alone.

In summary, in the context of athletic performance both WB-EMS and NMES tools can be used to augment strength and performance, potentially improve endurance and assist recovery, but they work best alongside traditional training and under proper guidance.

Electrostimulation in rehabilitation and medical treatments

Muscle re-education after injury

NMES has a long history in rehabilitation for re-educating muscles after injury or surgery. Therapists use NMES to evoke contractions in weakened or inactive muscles, helping patients relearn proper movement patterns.

A common rehabilitation example after knee injuries or surgery is applying NMES to the quadriceps to counter arthrogenic muscle inhibition and atrophy, accelerating strength recovery.

Studies show that when NMES is started early after ACL reconstruction (within days) and combined with exercises, it yields better quadriceps strength and functional outcomes than rehabilitation without NMES. Thus, NMES can serve as a "bridge" to conventional exercises when voluntary muscle activation is impaired, effectively kick-starting muscle recruitment during recovery.

NMES is often recommended alongside active exercises rather than alone, as this pairing yields superior strength recovery and symmetry.

Neurological rehabilitation (stroke, spinal cord injury)

In patients with neurological deficits—such as stroke or spinal cord injury (SCI)—NMES (often called Functional Electrical Stimulation, FES, when applied to functional tasks) plays a critical role.

FES can coordinate activation of paralyzed or weak muscles to assist movements—for example, stimulating dorsiflexors during walking to correct foot drop, or enabling pedaling on an FES cycle for someone with spinal cord injury. This has both immediate functional benefits and long-term therapeutic effects.

Reviews of neurorehabilitation note that NMES can be used in "functional" modes (to perform tasks directly, like grasping or cycling) and in "therapeutic" modes (to strengthen muscles and improve recovery conditions).

In stroke patients, peripheral NMES has been effective in increasing muscle strength, reducing pain and spasticity, and improving motor control during rehabilitation. Repetitive stimulation of impaired muscles with NMES helps "rewire" neural circuits (leveraging neuroplasticity) and can gradually improve voluntary movement.

NMES is commonly used to treat shoulder subluxation after stroke, foot drop, and hand function, as well as to reduce muscle tone (spasticity).

In spinal cord injury, FES cycling or FES-assisted standing can preserve muscle mass, improve circulation and even provide cardiovascular benefits to patients who otherwise cannot perform loading exercises.

Notably, NMES can increase muscle mass and endurance even in severe cases—regular NMES of the leg muscles in individuals without voluntary leg function can produce measurable gains in muscle size and local endurance, improving overall fitness and quality of life.

Muscle atrophy and strengthening

Both NMES and WB-EMS can counter muscle atrophy due to disuse or immobilization.

WB-EMS is used in rehabilitation to intensify strength training for those who can only tolerate low mechanical loads. For example, in orthopedic rehab, wearing a WB-EMS suit while performing light exercises can amplify muscle stimulation without imposing mechanical stress on the joints.

Conventional NMES is more commonly used clinically: it is routinely applied after orthopedic surgeries (knee replacement, ligament repair) to prevent muscle wasting when a limb is in a cast or brace.

Research confirms that NMES after ACL surgery helps preserve muscle fiber size and contractile strength, providing better outcomes in muscle function.

Generally, therapeutic NMES is applied for goals such as: muscle strengthening, prevention of disuse atrophy, edema reduction via the muscle pump, spasm relaxation and improvement of local circulation.

It is even used to help prevent deep vein thrombosis in immobilized patients by inducing rhythmic calf contractions.

WB-EMS, though less common in hospitals, shows promise for enhancing rehabilitation exercises—helping weakened patients recruit more muscle fibers during gentle movements.

Both methods can be considered in neurological rehab (to stimulate paralyzed muscles) and orthopedic rehab (to strengthen weakened muscles), but NMES offers more precise targeting, which is often necessary in medical treatments.

Electrostimulation for general fitness and weight loss

Improving muscle tone and strength for average users

For those interested in general fitness, WB-EMS offers time-efficient whole-body sessions that can improve muscle tone and strength.

A typical WB-EMS session (often ~20 minutes of light exercises performed during intermittent stimulation) can recruit up to 90% of muscle fibers at once—far more than during a normal workout. This high fiber recruitment means even basic movements feel intense, potentially leading to strength and hypertrophy gains.

Research on untrained or recreational individuals shows that WB-EMS training produces positive changes in body composition and fitness.

For example, a 12-week study in young overweight women found that WB-EMS (twice weekly) significantly increased skeletal muscle mass and reduced body weight, body fat percentage and waist circumference. These findings suggest that regular EMS use can help with toning and fat reduction.

Similarly, a systematic review noted that WB-EMS programs produced strength gains and body fat percentage reductions comparable to traditional training in sedentary adults.

In other words, for someone who does not exercise, EMS training can be a viable alternative for gaining strength and slimming down—producing beneficial adaptations (stronger muscles, less fat) compared to doing nothing.

Weight loss and fat reduction

It is important to set realistic expectations about EMS and weight loss.

EMS activates muscles and therefore burns some calories, but it is not a "miracle" fat-loss solution. Abdominal EMS devices marketed to achieve a "six-pack" illustrate this point: although they do cause muscle contractions, studies have shown little or minimal effect on waist circumference or muscle size.

The FDA has not approved any EMS device specifically for weight loss. You still need a calorie deficit (through diet and/or aerobic exercise) for significant fat loss.

However, EMS can indirectly support weight loss by increasing muscle mass (which slightly raises basal metabolic rate) and by enabling exercise for those who struggle with conventional training.

WB-EMS combined with mild dietary changes has been used in weight-management programs for overweight individuals, showing modest improvements. A study in adults with abdominal obesity found a WB-EMS program led to reductions in waist circumference without adverse effects.

Overall, EMS works best as a complement to a healthy diet and cardio training: it effectively strengthens and tones muscles (improving appearance), and facilitates exercise as fitness improves, but it cannot replace aerobic training for calorie burning.

General fitness benefits

For an average person, one or two supervised WB-EMS sessions per week can effectively improve general fitness. Because it places low joint load, people with joint problems or those who dislike intense aerobic movements may prefer EMS to activate their muscles while sparing the joints.

Studies in previously inactive adults report increases in lean muscle and endurance, as well as reductions in fat mass after months of WB-EMS training. Bear in mind that a single short 6–10 session WB-EMS course is not enough to change your fitness—consider this when evaluating expected costs.

Users often report activation of muscles they usually find difficult to recruit, which over time can improve posture and functional strength (e.g. a stronger core).

NMES devices are widely available to general consumers. Accessories like abdominal belts or stimulation pads for areas such as arms, glutes or thighs are available. They produce safe, adequate contractions and can help a beginner activate muscles, but on their own they usually yield only modest toning.

In summary, WB-EMS can improve general fitness and body composition similarly to traditional training (especially for beginners or busy individuals), and NMES devices can provide additional stimulation for toning. To maximize weight loss or fitness gains, combine these methods with regular exercise and proper nutrition rather than relying on them alone.

Electrostimulation for older adults and special populations

For older adults, especially those who are frail or suffer age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia), EMS is a promising form of exercise. WB-EMS is attractive for seniors because it imposes low joint load while delivering sufficiently intense muscle stimulus. This means an older person with arthritis or osteoporosis can stimulate their muscles intensely without lifting heavy weights required by traditional resistance training.

Research in frail elderly shows that WB-EMS training is feasible, safe under proper supervision, and effective at improving functional strength.

An 8-week trial in frail 80-year-olds found significant improvements in functional capacity (e.g. chair-rise test, balance) from WB-EMS without signs of muscle damage or overload, suggesting EMS can be especially beneficial for those starting from low baseline fitness.

Regular EMS use can help counter sarcopenia by stimulating muscle hypertrophy and strength increases in older adults who cannot lift heavy weights. A review found EMS training in older adults can increase muscle mass (~1% in 5–6 weeks) and improve muscle function by 10–15%, significantly offsetting age-related decline.

EMS that activates fast-contracting fibers also has other benefits. Type IIa and IIb (fast) fibers are most affected by age-related atrophy. Weekly stimulation of fibers that produce maximal strength helps older individuals maintain the size and power of type II fibers, which are important for preventing or attenuating falls.

People with mobility limitations or chronic illnesses

Those with chronic conditions (e.g. advanced heart failure, COPD) or mobility limitations (e.g. wheelchair users) can also benefit from NMES/WB-EMS.

In patients with heart failure who are too weak for conventional exercise, NMES of the leg muscles can serve as a bridge to improve muscle and cardiovascular health.

Studies in chronic heart failure patients show NMES increases functional capacity, muscle mass and endurance, and can even improve vascular function and quality of life. With proper training it can be done at home, enabling those who cannot tolerate aerobic exercise to still safely train their muscles.

Similarly, individuals with multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease may use NMES to maintain muscle strength when fatigue or motor deficits limit their ability to exercise.

People with spinal cord injury or other paralysis can use FES cycling (as mentioned earlier) to gain health benefits by "exercising" paralyzed limbs—improving muscle mass, circulation and even metabolic health.

For those with severe joint pain or morbid obesity where normal exercise is daunting, EMS can offer a low-risk option for muscle activation. There is evidence that even low-intensity FES cycling routines can increase muscle volume and reduce fat accumulation over months, benefiting overall metabolic and physical health.

Benefits and risks

The key advantage of EMS for special populations is that it can be tailored to the individual's tolerance. Intensity can be kept low initially and gradually increased as the person adapts (muscles and nerves become less sensitive over time, reducing discomfort).

Because prior cardiovascular fitness is not required for EMS, even very debilitated individuals can start it. However, safety and supervision are paramount in these groups.

If overused or applied at excessive intensity, EMS can cause muscle damage (rhabdomyolysis) even in healthy people, and elderly or ill patients may be particularly vulnerable. Therefore, proper protocols and current intensity settings are important.

Other contraindications may include uncontrolled epilepsy, acute illness or fever, severe peripheral neuropathy (if skin sensation is impaired the patient cannot feel the current), or severe kidney disease (because metabolites from muscle breakdown could overload the kidneys).

When these risks are considered, EMS is fairly safe—for example, in the study of octogenarians no participant reported adverse signs.

Quality of life and function

For older adults and special populations, the goal of muscle stimulation is to preserve or improve functional capacity and quality of life.

All forms of EMS can help achieve this by building the strength needed for daily tasks (standing up, climbing stairs) and by stimulating muscles to prevent atrophy during illness.

Through WB-EMS, improvements in muscle strength and balance can reduce fall risk among the elderly. Even simple interventions such as stimulating foot dorsiflexors in stroke patients can dramatically improve walking safety and independence.

For patients who cannot exercise actively, EMS provides a tool to stay physically "in the game"—as researchers noted in heart failure patients, NMES can be an alternative that increases load capacity and endurance when standard exercise is not possible.

Special populations should consult therapists before using EMS. With appropriate professional supervision, WB-EMS and NMES are valuable, adaptive tools that enable seniors or people with disabilities to enjoy the benefits of muscle conditioning with minimal risk.

Electrostimulation in practice: accessibility and practical considerations

When choosing between WB-EMS and NMES, practical factors like cost, availability, ease of use and the need for supervision matter:

Device costs

WB-EMS is generally expensive equipment—the whole-body EMS suit and control unit can cost as much as a car, so few people will buy them for personal home use. Such equipment is typically found in EMS studios or high-end gyms.

Most people therefore access WB-EMS through EMS fitness studios. Per-session prices vary widely. A 20-minute WB-EMS personal training session might cost roughly 12,000–40,000 HUF. Some minor additional costs may include purchasing special undergarments for hygiene and improved electrode contact, and studio registration fees.

By contrast, targeted NMES devices are widely available and generally much more affordable in the long term. A 4-channel, professional-grade Globus muscle stimulation device (covering one or a few muscle groups) can be purchased for around 150,000 HUF (~400–450 EUR). After buying such a device, home use is effectively free except for periodic replacement of self-adhesive electrodes.

Many physiotherapy clinics also have clinical NMES/FES devices, and when used in rehabilitation the cost is part of the therapy service (often covered by insurance).

In short: full-body treatments have substantially higher ongoing costs, whereas NMES has a one-time purchase cost and very low per-treatment expense, making it more accessible for personal use.

Availability

Because WB-EMS is delivered by specific machines typically located in studios or certain clinics, availability depends on proximity to such facilities. In some countries (e.g. Germany, the UK) WB-EMS studios have become more common, while in others it remains a niche service.

NMES devices, by contrast, are easily obtained online, from medical supply stores or via health providers offering rentals. Essentially anyone can obtain a quality muscle stimulator. NMES has long been part of standard care—hospitals and sports medicine clinics worldwide use NMES, so most physiotherapists are familiar with it.

Many guides and protocols are available for various NMES uses (strengthening, pain relief, etc.), which makes it easier for consumers to learn (these devices often come with preset programs for "strengthening", "endurance" or "maximal strength" etc.).

By comparison, whole-body stimulators are generally operated by trained EMS trainers.

Ease of use and convenience

In terms of setup and use, NMES is generally simpler on a small scale: you place a few electrode pads on the target muscle (e.g. thigh or biceps), turn the device on and set the intensity to a tolerable level. Most NMES devices are user-friendly with clear instructions. They have preset programs so the user mainly adjusts intensity.

Although NMES is user-friendly, to use it effectively you should learn basics such as electrode placement and intensity setting rules. Home-use devices are designed with safe output limits, so incorrect use is unlikely to cause harm.

WB-EMS setup is more complex: the user must don the EMS suit (which typically covers 10–12 muscle groups—chest, back, arms, glutes, quads, hamstrings, etc.), ensure proper fit and moisten contact areas for conductivity. A trainer or staff member usually helps connect the electrodes and calibrate intensity for each muscle group. The session involves performing various exercises synchronized with stimulation on/off cycles. This is not something an average person can easily manage without training.

Thus WB-EMS sessions are almost always supervised by a professional who operates the device and guides the session. Scheduling sessions and traveling to the studio can be barriers; however, there are emerging services where trainers come to your home with portable EMS gear (at even higher cost).

In terms of time commitment both WB-EMS and NMES are favorable. WB-EMS sessions are short; NMES can be used while doing other tasks. WB-EMS requires longer preparation time and travel to a facility.

Need for professional supervision

WB-EMS absolutely requires professional supervision for safe and effective use. International guidelines explicitly "strongly recommend" supervised whole-body EMS; a licensed EMS trainer should be present to set intensities, monitor the user’s response and stop stimulation if any problem occurs. The trainer also provides motivation and ensures correct exercise form, as WB-EMS can be fatiguing.

Without supervision a beginner can easily set intensity too high across multiple muscle groups—leading to severe muscle soreness or even injury afterward.

For NMES the need for supervision depends on context. Medical use of NMES (e.g. in stroke rehab) should be initiated under a therapist’s guidance—the therapist determines electrode placement and appropriate stimulation parameters and often administers the first few sessions. Once the patient and family are trained, home NMES programs can be carried out with periodic check-ups.

Home NMES devices are designed to be safe without direct supervision, but users must follow professional protocols. For example, after knee ligament surgery a doctor may prescribe quadriceps NMES with a specific program that the patient must perform at home for several weeks. Not following the program can jeopardize recovery.

NMES devices can safely be used for athletic or fitness purposes, provided recommended durations and intensities are respected (e.g. a recovery mode for 20 minutes or a strengthening mode as instructed).

Even otherwise healthy users should avoid the temptation to crank intensity to maximum or to use excessively long sessions—more is not always better, and muscles need recovery time after stimulation just like after regular training.

Full-body stimulation guidelines recommend at least 2–3 days of recovery between intense sessions to allow muscle cells to regenerate.

Comfort and adherence

Many people find NMES easy to integrate. You can run a device while sitting and watching TV, effectively fitting an "muscle workout" into leisure time. This passive aspect can improve adherence for sedentary or very busy individuals.

WB-EMS requires dedicating time to a studio visit, but because it is only once or twice a week it can still fit into a busy schedule. It is often marketed with claims like "20 minutes equals 90 minutes of conventional training". The novelty and one-on-one nature of WB-EMS may actually motivate people who dislike crowded gyms or repetitive exercises.

Recommendations for different groups

Competitive athletes

Use EMS as a complementary training and recovery tool.

Well-conditioned athletes can incorporate NMES to target specific muscle groups (e.g. quadriceps, hamstrings, calves) for extra strength sessions or to assist recovery after intense training.

WB-EMS can be useful during off-season or post-injury rehab phases to maintain muscle activity when normal training volume is reduced. Athletes should work with coaches or sport physiologists when integrating EMS to tailor protocols to their needs.

Use EMS to assist, not replace, traditional training—e.g. perform your normal workouts and add a short NMES session to a sport-relevant muscle group that needs extra strengthening or recovery.

Use NMES during warm-ups to activate hard-to-recruit muscles for injury prevention.

Avoid excessive EMS use as it can cause fatigue or interfere with skill practice.

During competition periods low-intensity EMS-based recovery can be used.

For professional athletes investing in a quality NMES device or WB-EMS sessions may be worthwhile, but professional guidance is often needed to maximize benefit.

Patients undergoing rehabilitation

Follow medical guidance and use EMS as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation plan.

After surgery or neurological injury, EMS can significantly accelerate muscle reconditioning and neurorehabilitation—but it must be applied correctly.

Work with a physiotherapist or rehabilitation specialist who can set up an NMES/FES program tailored to your condition (e.g. improving hand function after stroke, strengthening quadriceps after knee surgery).

In the early rehabilitation phase stimulation may be administered by the therapist in clinic. As you recover, you will likely perform NMES at home with your own device. In Hungary NMES devices cannot be prescribed on a medical prescription.

Consistency is key: use NMES as often as prescribed (typically daily or multiple times per week) to consolidate muscle gains and neural pathways. Do not exceed recommended intensities or durations—overstimulation can cause soreness or fatigue that hinders therapy.

Be patient and persistent in neurological conditions; pair NMES with active movement attempts so stimulation and your brain’s effort add together (Hebb’s rule: "neurons that fire together wire together").

WB-EMS may be appropriate in later rehab stages for general fitness (e.g. rebuilding overall strength after a long hospital stay), but ensure the provider knows your medical history.

Always inform your doctor or therapist of any abnormal symptoms (e.g. skin reactions, increased pain or dark urine indicating overuse).

With qualified professional supervision, EMS can be a safe bridge to fuller recovery, helping you return to functional activities faster than rehabilitation alone.

General fitness enthusiasts

EMS can help support training, but keep expectations realistic. If you are very busy or lack motivation for lengthy gym sessions but want more toned or stronger muscles, WB-EMS may suit you. It delivers effective muscle training, but not from a single session. Find a reputable EMS studio with certified trainers—try a session to see if you tolerate the sensation and like the format. If you commit to WB-EMS, adhere to the recommended frequency (1–3 sessions/week) and pay attention to nutrition and cardio on other days for best fat-loss results.

Use WB-EMS to boost your fitness routine: it will strengthen and tone muscles effectively, but continue aerobic activities and calorie control for fat loss.

If WB-EMS is unavailable or too costly, a home NMES device can be used on areas you want to tone (e.g. abdomen or thighs).

When using a stimulator, perform exercises or voluntarily contract muscles in sync with impulses to maximize effect.

Do not rely solely on an abdominal stimulator for a flat stomach—use it as a complement to core training and cardio.

For general fitness it’s important to find enjoyable activities; EMS cannot improve coordination, flexibility or technical athletic skills, so maintain a balanced fitness routine.

Think of EMS as another tool in your toolbox—it can help recruit fibers you normally cannot activate. It can help maintain muscle when time is limited, but works best alongside traditional methods.

Always follow device guidance and allow muscles recovery time between stimulation sessions (e.g. do not work the same muscle every day at high intensity).

Older adults or those with special conditions

Use EMS under professional supervision to stay active safely. If conventional exercise is difficult due to joint pain, low strength or fear of injury, EMS can be a gentle introduction to resistance training.

Consult a professional before starting; if there are no contraindications they will help design appropriate programs and exercises. Some physiotherapy clinics or fitness centers may offer EMS sessions for seniors, focusing on functional goals like walking speed, balance and leg strength.

Start very conservatively—low intensity, short duration—to allow your body to adapt. Make sure treatments are performed on professional advice. The aim is to gain benefits (stronger muscles, better circulation) without overloading yourself.

Watch for unusual symptoms (excessive soreness or swelling), as older muscles recover more slowly. Regular stimulation over time can help regain enough strength and confidence to perhaps transition to more conventional exercise forms.

For conditions like heart failure, COPD, multiple sclerosis, ALS, etc., ask your treating physicians for their opinion.

Ask a professional to show you correct home use of EMS.

Do not use EMS if you have an implanted pacemaker or defibrillator unless your cardiologist explicitly approves. Also avoid placing electrodes on the anterior-lateral neck (to avoid affecting the heart or carotid sinus).

NMES can be performed by almost anyone at home. For example, patients with heart failure can do daily NMES sessions on their thigh muscles while resting, improving exercise tolerance for cardiac rehabilitation.

If you don't know how to use it, ask for help to learn. Once you have training, EMS can empower you to independently improve and maintain muscle health. Use EMS to enhance daily activity (e.g. stronger legs for rising from a chair or maintaining muscle mass during illness).

Used correctly, risks are minimal and benefits (independence and health maintenance) are significant.

Summary and general safety advice

Regardless of your condition or goals, always follow the principle of gradual progression with muscle stimulation.

Start at low intensity and allow your body to adapt across successive sessions.

Recovery and rest after stimulation are required just as after regular exercise.

Seek professional advice!

When used correctly, both WB-EMS and NMES can be extremely effective, efficient and safe methods to improve muscle performance—from elite athletes to older adults.

Use these methods for fitness or rehabilitation and you can expect meaningful functional benefits in relatively short time.

Electrostimulation, whether full-body or targeted, is a highly versatile tool for achieving fitness and health goals.