Marathon Tech Review: Gadgets to Prevent Injury and "Fend Off Muscle Fatigue"

[steven johnson]

There are some theoretical reasons why an electronic muscle stimulator might help muscle recovery but the evidence is sketchy.

Q. Does an electronic muscle stimulator (E.M.S.) help muscles recover after a long run?

A E.M.S. units, which are commonly used for physical rehabilitation (and in consultation of a therapist or doctor), transmit an electrical current through the muscle to cause the muscle to contract — essentially simulating what a nerve would do to the muscle.

While used to relieve pain or for therapy, they have become increasingly popular with body-builders and elite athletes to help fend off muscle fatigue. Globus and Comtex sell portable units (in the $500-900 range), but do they work?

“Across the board,” muscle stimulators can help strengthen weak muscles, said Dr. Toner, but there’s no conclusive evidence that using it in place of strength training will improve your sport performance. A 2003 study in The Journal of Orthopeadic and Sports Therapy on the use of electrical stimulation for quadriceps strength training for 12 weeks of rehabilitation found only a “modest” increase in quadriceps output.




Marathon Tech Review: Gadgets to Prevent Injury