What Is Electrical Muscle Stimulation?

Any abdominal muscle toning belt that you come across will tout their use of the revolutionary technology known as electrical muscle stimulation. Many people have attested to the effectivity of this process not just for muscle toning and strengthening, but for other purposes as well. What is EMS exactly?

Also known as Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) or Electromyostimulation, EMS uses electrical pulses generated by the machine and sent through electrodes to the part of the body being stimulated. This process imitates signals from the nervous system sent during physical activity, causing muscles to expand and contract repeatedly.

EMS is the result of years of experimentation and research on the effects electrical currents can generate on muscles. This technology is now used in sports training, physical therapy, and as a cosmetic tool as in the case of ab flex belts. Therapists utilize EMS with patients who have suffered injuries to bones, muscles, joints, ligaments or tendons, using EMS to prevent muscle atrophy.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has recognized the positive effects of abdominal belts utilizing EMS, and ab belts with FDA approval are to be marketed as over-the-counter devices. Before buying one, make sure it is approved for use by the FDA. Also be aware of certain restrictions on the use of ab toning belts. The FDA discourages certain individuals from wearing an ab muscle belt, such as those wearing pacemakers, or are pregnant, menstruating, or suffering from burns and skin irritations, among others.