EMS-Training offers an effective and evidence-based option for the prevention and treatment of non-specific back pain. Performed under individual supervision, it strengthens all major muscle groups in the upper and lower back. It requires little time and reduces the subjective perception of intensity.[1,2]
The electrical impulses are able to reach deep lying muscle structures that stabilise the spine. Muscles such as the multifidus muscle, the transversus abdominis, and obliquus internus abdominis[5]. In combination with simple bodyweight exercises, passive core muscle structures can be reached with effective stimuli and strengthened in a way that is easy on the joints [6].
Non-specific back pain, often also referred to as unspecific back pain, can be caused by dysfunctions in the back's muscle structures such as tension, stiffness, or muscular imbalances [4]. The issues often arise from improper strain, typically due to prolonged sitting in the same position, one-sided or heavy physical labor, or even psychological stress[7].
EMS provides relief from back pain at least as effectively as multimodal treatment, considered the gold standard, but with a significantly reduced time commitment.
Conclusion
Whole-Body Electromyostimulation...
- ... is an effective and, with a training time of only 20 min/week, a very time-saving alternative to established multimodal treatment models.
Both methods showed a significant decrease in mean pain intensity and a significant increase in maximum isometric upper body strength, with EMS achieving these results in only half the time.
Conclusion
Whole-Body Electromyostimulation...
- ...serves as an equally potent yet more time-efficient alternative to traditional back-strengthening exercises for treating patients with non-specific back pain.
- Konrad KL et al. PLoS ONE 15.8:e0236780.
- Weissenfels A et al. Biomed. Res. Int. 2019:5745409.
- Filipovic A et al. J Strength Cond Res. 2012;26(9):2600-2614.
- Chibuzor-Hüls J et al. Pain Medicine. 2020;36(4):40-48.
- Baek SO et al. Ann Rehabil Med. 2014;38 (4):506-513.
- Sutor V and Müller S. EMS training - quo vadis? bodyLIFE by bodyLIFE Medien GmbH 2020;10.
- Back and low back pain. Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); available at https://www.informedhealth.org/low-back-pain.html