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

• Published in: Frontiers in physiology 2023-03, Vol.14, p.1174103-1174103
• Main Authors: Kemmler, Wolfgang, Fröhlich, Michael, Ludwig, Oliver, Eifler, Christoph, von Stengel, Simon, Willert, Sebastian, Teschler, Marc, Weissenfels, Anja, Kleinöder, Heinz, Micke, Florian, Wirtz, Nicolas, Zinner, Christoph, Filipovic, Andre, Wegener, Bernd, Berger, Joshua, Evangelista, Alexandre, D'Ottavio, Stefano, Sara, Jaskanwal Deep Singh, Lerman, Amir, Perez de Arrilucea Le Floc'h, Unai A, Carle-Calo, Abraham, Guitierrez, Angel, Amaro-Gahete, Francisco J
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: electrical muscle stimulation; international consensus; Physiology; recommendations; safety; whole-body electromyostimulation
• ISSN: 1664-042X; 1664-042X
• DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1174103

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.