Muscle-stimulation technology includes devices which force the muscles to contract by applying an electric current. In clinical settings, these devices are used primarily to prevent muscle atrophy in people with spinal cold injuries and other medical conditions. You can also purchase over-the-counter muscle stimulation devices marketed as fitness products for toning muscles and promoting weight loss. However, scientific evidence does not support the effectiveness of muscle-stimulation technology for these non-medical purposes.
Medical Uses
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved many electronic muscle stimulators for prescription use in treating certain medical conditions. Muscle stimulation technology can help in the recovery and physical functioning of patients with impaired muscle function. These patients include those with paralysis, serious injuries, surgeries and other medical conditions which interfere with muscle functioning, such as stroke. Muscle-stimulation technology can improve the functioning of these patients by promoting muscle re-education, helping to relax muscle spasms, increasing the patient's range of motion and helping the patient prevent or reverse muscle atrophy.
OTC Devices
Besides devices designed for medical use, certain fitness products marketed as methods of weight loss and muscle growth also claim to incorporate muscle-stimulation technology. Some claim that users can develop slimmer and more toned abs.
Effects on Body Composition and Appearance
A study published in "Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research" in 2002 concluded that a group of healthy individuals who used electronic muscle-stimulation products marketed as fitness devices for a period of eight weeks registered no significant changes to body weight, body fat, muscle strength or appearance. While it would be nice to be able to achieve a toned body without ever having to lift a muscle, according to the FDA, using a muscle-stimulation device cannot deliver you "six-pack abs" in the absence of diet and exercise. The FDA's consumer products website explains that while electronic muscle stimulators can improve muscle strength to some extent in people with injured or atrophied muscles, current data does not support manufacturers' claims that using these devices can increase muscle size enough to affect appearance in healthy people.
Regulation and Safety
Electronic muscle stimulators are regulated for safety by the FDA under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. If you decide to purchase an electronic muscle-stimulator device, make sure the product you are buying is FDA-approved, as non-approved muscle-stimulation devices are sold illegally and are potentially dangerous. The FDA says it has received reports of shocks, burns and dangerous interference with medical devices including pacemakers associated with the use of unregulated muscle-stimulation devices. Unregulated devices may also have problems with cables that can lead to accidental electrocution to users as well as other household members.
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