Position statement and updated international guideline for safe and effective whole-body electromyostimulation training-the need for common sense in WB-EMS application

Kemmler W, Froehlich M, Ludwig O, Eifler C, von Stengel S, Willert S, Teschler M, Weißenfels A, Kleinoeder H, Micke F, Wirtz N, Zinner C, Filipovic A, Wegener B, Berger J, Evangelista A, D'Ottavio S, Singh Sara JD, Lerman A, Le Floc'H UAPDAA, Carle-Calo A, Guitierrez A, Amaro-Gahete FJ (2023)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2023

Journal

Book Volume: 14

DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1174103

Abstract

Whole-Body Electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) is a training technology that enables simultaneous stimulation of all the main muscle groups with a specific impulse intensity for each electrode. The corresponding time-efficiency and joint-friendliness of WB-EMS may be particularly attractive for people unable or unmotivated to conduct (intense) conventional training protocols. However, due to the enormous metabolic and musculoskeletal impact of WB-EMS, particular attention must be paid to the application of this technology. In the past, several scientific and newspaper articles reported severe adverse effects of WB-EMS. To increase the safety of commercial non-medical WB-EMS application, recommendations "for safe and effective whole-body electromyostimulation" were launched in 2016. However, new developments and trends require an update of these recommendations to incorporate more international expertise with demonstrated experience in the application of WB-EMS. The new version of these consensus-based recommendations has been structured into 1) "general aspects of WB-EMS", 2) "preparation for training", recommendations for the 3) "WB-EMS application" itself and 4) "safety aspects during and after training". Key topics particularly addressed are 1) consistent and close supervision of WB-EMS application, 2) mandatory qualification of WB-EMS trainers, 3) anamnesis and corresponding consideration of contraindications prior to WB-EMS, 4) the participant's proper preparation for the session, 5) careful preparation of the WB-EMS novice, 6) appropriate regeneration periods between WB-EMS sessions and 7) continuous interaction between trainer and participant at a close physical distance. In summary, we are convinced that the present guideline will contribute to greater safety and effectiveness in the area of non-medical commercial WB-EMS application.

Authors with CRIS profile

Involved external institutions

Technische Universität Kaiserslautern Germany (DE) Deutsche Hochschule für Prävention und Gesundheitsmanagement GmbH Germany (DE) Universität Witten/Herdecke Germany (DE) Deutsche Sporthochschule Köln Germany (DE) Hessische Hochschule für öffentliches Management und Sicherheit (HöMS) Germany (DE) Sport-Club Paderborn 07 e.V. Germany (DE) Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Germany (DE) Federal University of Espírito Santo / Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (UFES) Brazil (BR) Università degli studi "La Sapienza" Italy (IT) Mayo Clinic United States (USA) (US) Universidad de Granada Spain (ES)

How to cite

APA:

Kemmler, W., Froehlich, M., Ludwig, O., Eifler, C., von Stengel, S., Willert, S.,... Amaro-Gahete, F.J. (2023). Position statement and updated international guideline for safe and effective whole-body electromyostimulation training-the need for common sense in WB-EMS application. Frontiers in Physiology, 14. https://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2023.1174103

MLA:

Kemmler, Wolfgang, et al. "Position statement and updated international guideline for safe and effective whole-body electromyostimulation training-the need for common sense in WB-EMS application." Frontiers in Physiology 14 (2023).

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