Application areas
Electrostimulation is particularly used in the rehabilitation sector, as improved hypertrophy (muscle growth) is expected. Furthermore, there is no stress on the joints. Due to the improved muscle build-up, electrostimulation is used as a supplementary training, especially for ambitious strength athletes. As with voluntary contraction, the training goal depends on the duration of the contraction. A load of 3 seconds or less promotes rapid strength, 6 seconds improves maximum strength and loads in the range of 10 seconds cause a muscle build-up stimulus.
Dangers of electrostimulation
EMS seems to many athletes to be a pleasant way to train their muscles without having to move a lot. But there are also very critical voices about this new form of training. Some of them claim that you run certain risks when you train regularly with this method.
There are certain risk groups that should refrain from EMS training, otherwise health problems can occur. These include patients with multiple sclerosis, pregnant women, cancer patients, people with thrombosis, people with a pacemaker and epileptics. EMS training can be very dangerous for these groups.
Some of the advantages of EMS training can also turn out to be both a danger and a disadvantage. EMS training should be easy on the joints, as no heavy weights are used. This sounds very logical at first.
If you do a long-term EMS training without additional conventional strength training, the joints will become weaker. If a joint is not used more or less often than it normally is, our body notices this. Our body is focused on effectiveness and breaks down everything that is not used.
Ligaments, tendons and bones that support and strengthen the joint are broken down. EMS Training is offered primarily for non-athletes. People who are not really into sports should be motivated to visit a gym.
Muscular imbalances are usually present in these people. These skills can be further enhanced by EMS training. In combination with the breakdown of the body’s holding and support mechanisms, EMS training can cause extensive long-term damage.
Cases repeatedly occur in which muscle tissue has been injured by an excessive current impulse. If the patient complained of pain, this was dismissed by the trainer. Pain indicates injuries to the tissue and should not be ignored under any circumstances.In order to prevent injuries, conventional strength training should also be done and the choice of studio and the training of the coaches are further decisive points.
If you do not feel comfortable with an EMS trainer or in a studio, talk about it or change. Health should always come first in this case.
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