Effects of electromyostimulation (EMS) on athlete performance: Systematic review

Year 2023, Volume: 2 Issue: 2, 11 - 20, 30.12.2023

Merve Cin

Abstract

Electromyostimulation (EMS) helps to improve muscle performance by inducing various types of muscle activation that lead to physiological effects on the neuromuscular system. The aim of this review is to examine the effects of EMS, alone or in combination with traditional training, on the performance outcomes of athletes compared with the muscle adaptations induced by traditional training. As a method in the study, the PubMed database, which indexes the world's leading studies in health and sport sciences, was analysed between 2016 and 2023 to analyse the effects of EMS on athletes training in different sports. Looking at the results of the studies, it can be seen that the use of the techniques together results in greater muscular adaptation than the use of the EMS technique alone, resulting in earlier development of basic biomotor skills and improved performance. In conclusion, it can be said that the use of the EMS technique provides some benefits to the individual, but may have a much greater effect when combined with dynamic or resistance exercises.

Keywords

Electromyostimulation Training, Strength, Speed, Athlete

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