WB-EMS Market Development—Perspectives and Threats

Berger J, Froehlich M, Kemmler W (2022)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2022

Journal

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health MDPI

Book Volume: 19

Article Number: 14211

Journal Issue: 21

DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114211

Abstract

As a time-efficient and highly effective form of training, whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) enables personalised training for a wide range of users due to its personal training character and the individual control of the training intensity. However, due to misuse, negative side effects of WB-EMS have been reported in the past, resulting in expert guidelines for safe and effective WB-EMS application being issued. Furthermore, the use of WB-EMS is now legally permitted only for qualified personnel with certified equipment. This professionalization of the WB-EMS market as per the definition of quality standards for the devices and the personnel ensured a safe and effective WB-EMS application. However, recent market developments are undermining these standards through the growing of WB-EMS offers for the private sector. Hereby, most concepts focus on completely or predominately non-supervised WB application without control of potential overload by a qualified trainer. WB application is by no means trivial and the shift of responsibility for safety and effectiveness from the certified personnel to the trainees themselves is a clear step backwards in the development of WB-EMS use. We conclude that private, inadequately supervised WB-EMS application bears more dangers than potential benefits, not only for the trainees but also for the WB-EMS market as a whole.

Authors with CRIS profile

Wolfgang Kemmler Lehrstuhl für Medizinische Physik und Mikrogewebetechnik

Involved external institutions

Deutsche Hochschule für Prävention und Gesundheitsmanagement GmbH DE Germany (DE) Technische Universität Kaiserslautern DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Berger, J., Froehlich, M., & Kemmler, W. (2022). WB-EMS Market Development—Perspectives and Threats. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(21). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192114211

MLA:

Berger, Joshua, Michael Froehlich, and Wolfgang Kemmler. "WB-EMS Market Development—Perspectives and Threats." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 19.21 (2022).

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