Electronic muscle stimulation

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. 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 but a few home devices have survived some scientific scrutiny for their advertised uses. 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. Many of the newer units are availble in fashionable colours and fabrics such as Zebra, Leopard and Cowprint in a bid to move away from the traditional sports market and appeal to a new younger consumer.

Recently the FTC has cracked down on consumer EMS devices that made unsubstantiated claims ; most have been removed from the market. Currently only three EMS devices have been cleared by the FDA for legal sale in the US ; the Slendertone Flex, the Rio AB Belt and the Rio Ab Belt Pro, for toning, strengthening and firming abdominal muscles