Electronic Muscle Stimulation

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Electronic Muscle Stimulation (EMS) is the concept whereby electric impulses are used to contract muscles. EMS has been used in the field of medicine as therapy for muscle atrophy, as well as in many other conditions [1]. There has also been use in the field of personal care (where it is also known as electronic muscle toning) to help tone muscles, decrease body fat, as well as an adjunct to weight training. The efficacy of the devices for these uses has been debated[1] but a few home devices have survived some scientific scrutiny for their advertised uses[2]. EMS became popular in salons in the 1970s and home treatment units became increasingly popular during the early 1990s. Since the mid-1990s, wearable units in which EMS circuitry is contained in belt-like garments, neoprene shorts or other clothing items, have caused a significant growth in the EMS market. Most of these units are sold by mail order.

Recently the FTC has cracked down on consumer EMS devices that made unsubstantiated claims[3]; most have been removed from the market. Currently the only EMS device that has been cleared by the FDA for legal sale in the US is the Slendertone Flex, for toning, strengthening and firming abdominal muscles[4]


  1. ^ a b Google Answers - "Q: Electronic Stomach Muscle Toning"
  2. ^ Effects of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Training on Abdominal Strength, Endurance, and Selected Anthropometric Measures - Journal of Sports Science and Medicine (2005)4,66-75 (pdf)
  3. ^ FTC Charges Three Top-selling Electronic Abdominal Exercise Belts with Making False Claims
  4. ^ FDA page on EMS devices

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