Mat Pilates Combined with EMS Workouts: Research Study Summary
We recently published a blog on the benefits of Pilates and EMS here. Today we are talking about its younger sibling mat Pilates and EMS with the help of a recent research study from the Journal of Personalized Medicine.
The study investigated the effects of mat Pilates and electro-muscle stimulation on pain, depression, anxiety, and physical function in women with fibromyalgia.
- EMS device: The study used a similar whole-body electrical muscle stimulation suit as we use for our personal training service.
- Electrode placement: Electrodes were sprayed with water and placed on major muscle groups including the glutes, hamstrings, quads, biceps, triceps, pecs, lats, rectus abdominis (abs), and teres major (upper back muscle).
- EMS current: The exact settings were not shared other than it was under a “cardio” mode applied for 20 minutes. The current cycled between 9 seconds on and 2 seconds off.
Key findings:
- Both mat Pilates and EMS groups showed significant improvements in anxiety, depression, and fibromyalgia impact scores after the intervention.
- The EMS group showed greater improvements in anxiety, depression, and fibromyalgia impact scores compared to the Pilates group.
- Both groups showed improvements in some anthropometric measurements, including arm circumference (Pilates) and abdomen, lower abdomen, and hip (EMS and Pilates).
Overall, the study suggests that both mat Pilates and EMS may be effective in improving symptoms of fibromyalgia, but EMS workouts may be more beneficial for anxiety, depression, and fibromyalgia impact.
It is important to note that this was a single-blind randomized controlled trial with a relatively small sample size. More research is needed to confirm these findings and to explore the long-term effects of these interventions.
- The study only included women with fibromyalgia. It is not known if the results would be similar in men or people with other conditions.
- The study did not investigate the mechanisms by which EMS training or Pilates may improve fibromyalgia symptoms.
- Unfortunately, the study doesn’t share the exact protocols used and therefore, is not easy to replicate.
- The study participants were instructed to discontinue nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications during the study period. This could have affected the pain scores.
We started offering mat Pilates with electro-muscle stimulation in Los Angeles in a special partnership with Pilatesmith at their Culver City location. Our trainer Greg has been leading the practice with great feedback from clients.
We hope to see you soon at our flagship Newport Beach studio:
419 E 17th Street, Costa Mesa, CA, 92627.
If you want to try EMS, please book an intro session at our Newport Beach studio or contact us at info@bodybuzzfit.com. We also offer at-home EMS personal training in Los Angeles and San Diego.
Conrad
Managing Director
Bodybuzz
