In recent years, electrode vests and Electrostimulation have generally gained popularity and are no longer reserved for elite athletes to open to the general population. Behind the almost miraculous results that many people claim they have, others wonder if muscle electrostimulation actually works . Going to the point, the answer is yes, muscle electrostimulation works. Now, you should know that there are many utilities and can be used for many different purposes.

So, depending on each specific case and how the results are used, they can be one or the other, good or bad. In the following article we will explain everything you should know about electrostimulation; its uses, contraindications and how it should be used to lose weight.

Electrostimulation: what it is and what it consists of

In recent years, muscle-electrostimulation devices are gaining popularity, but beyond the results, it is important to know what electrostimulation is and what it consists of in order to maximize its benefits and avoid injuries or physical problems arising from its misuse.

First of all you must know that depending on the objective you seek with its use you must do it in one way or another, especially taking into account the intensity of discharge and the body zone where these discharges are applied through electrodes on the skin.

To understand its functioning, we first understand the functioning and structures of our cells. In our body, the cells are polarized, which means that there is a distribution of unequal electric charges between its interior and its exterior. That is, the outside of the cells have a positive charge, while the inside has a negative charge. This is where the energy transmitted through electrotherapy acts.

With electrostimulation we can excite these cells completely arbitrarily or direct them where we are especially interested. In the same way, depending on the type of frequency that we use we can choose which of the different muscle fibers, we want it to be activated. This is of vital importance, as we do not need the same activation at any point in our training phase, nor do we want to overcome a particular injury.

Next we will explain in detail the benefits of electrostimulation depending on the type of frequency that we use, but basically it can be summarized in the following:

• Low frequencies : they manage to relax the muscle by increasing blood circulation and releasing endorphins.
• Average frequencies : aerobic muscle work up to an aerobic-anaerobic combination.
• High frequencies : anaerobic exercise.

Electrostimulation: benefits according to frequency

As we have just commented, the equipment and vests of muscular electrostimulation have a band of variable frequencies, allowing a great variety of uses depending on the objectives that we want to achieve. Here’s what each frequency band is for :

• Frequency between 2-4 hertz : is the softer electrostimulation. With it we get the muscular relaxation, which allows us to treat muscles overloaded or with pain. Both the improvement of blood circulation and the release of endorphins help us.
• Frequency between 4-8 hertz : it is still a basic frequency and the benefits are very similar to those of the previous one. The increased release of endorphins causes the pain threshold to rise and improve the person’s ability to resist it.
• Frequency between 8-12 hertz : we are still within a soft frequency, however, we already begin to notice how the muscle is contracting. What the patient notes is that they are applying a kind of massage, so the benefits are very similar to those of this activity. It relaxes the muscle, improves blood circulation and therefore, oxygenation.
• Frequency between 12-40 hertz : at this frequency the activity of slow muscle fibers is already stimulated, as it would be if a gentle stroke were made. That is to say, with this intensity, the body already begins to work aerobically without almost there is deficiency of oxygen.
• Frequency between 40-60 hertz : it is a step in what was worked on the previous frequency; continues to work the slow fibers but can eventually activate some fast fiber. The effects are summarized in a greater oxygenation and resistance of the muscles.
• Frequency between 60-80 hertz : active both intermediate and fast fibers, at this point we are talking about a work of strength and development of muscle building.
• Frequency between 80-120 hertz : the stimulation is based on the fast fibers, in addition, these they do with a lot of intensity. The benefits of this frequency are noticeable both at speed and at the level of force.

Muscle electrostatic: side effects

Beyond what is counted, you must be clear that the muscular electrostimulation and the use of electrode vests is not indicated for everybody. Although these types of vests are more modern, the system with which they act is the same as the local electrostimulation, a technique that has been widely used for decades and has been extensively studied. This type of training is contraindicated for the following people :

• Epileptics
• In the trunk and abdomen of pregnant women
• Persons with pacemakers
• People with circulation problems
• People who suffer from abdominal hernia or inguinal hernia
• People with neurological problems
• People with atopic dermatitis, wounds, eczema or irritations.
• Metabolism diseases such as diabetes, hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
• High levels of uric acid or gout patients
• Metabolic or overweight syndrome
• Inflammatory diseases

In cases of metabolic syndrome and inflammatory diseases, special care must be taken. The case is that in the latter case, there are diseases such as arthritis, for which electrostimulation is contraindicated. However, there are centers where this treatment is sold as a method to relieve joint pain. In the event that you end up with something like this, you should know that you are facing a clear case of negligence, either by ignorance or malpracticeand that you should not under any circumstances submit to electrostimulation.

Another different case is the one of the overweight, although the electrostimulation to lose weight can be a good complement, as we will explain to you next, it is not indicated for the whole world.

Electro-stimulation for weight loss

There are many myths and ignorance surrounding the sessions of electrostimulation. In part, its popularity and growth has made it many times used by people who do not have the knowledge to use this type of machinery. First of all, you should know that electrostimulation, even more so if you want to lose weight, should be used under medical supervision and always accompanied by a professional. On the other hand as we have seen in the section on contraindications, it is not recommended for those people who have problems of metabolism and overweight . Here are some concepts about electrostimulation and weight loss:

• It is not a fat burner : the electrode vests do not burn fat or disappear if they are not accompanied by a diet and regular training. That is why it is not possible to lose weight by doing only electrostimulation sessions sitting on the sofa.
• It does not transform fat into muscle : fat and muscle have nothing to do; while the former is accumulating with sedentarism and bad eating habits, the second is the result of working our body. You can perfectly build muscle and continue to have fat.

Can you lose weight with electrostimulation?

At this point we can ask the big question; Does Muscle Stimulation Work for Weight Loss? The answer is yes. You can lose weight with electrostimulation as long as you follow proper nutrition and exercise regularly. The objection that can be made is that, doing that same without electrostimulation can be slimming the sameand it is true, but this equipment will help you to enhance those results.

As you work harder, you will need more calories to maintain, so your body will need to burn more fat throughout the day. Not only will you burn fat when you exercise, at the end of the day and go to sleep your body will need more energy and with a caloric deficit, this energy must come out of your fat stores.

On the other hand by toning your muscles you will gain more strength and endurance, so the exercises you do each time can be more demanding, which will make you lose even more calories by working more intensely and weaving you less.

This article is for information only, in Green Health Tips we have no power to prescribe medical treatments or make any kind of diagnosis. We invite you to go to a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.

If you would like to read more articles related to this topic , we recommend that you enter our Physical Activity category.