27/04/2024
Research finding: A 6-week functional whole-body EMS training program improved various physiological parameters in recreational runners despite a reduction in running training frequency.
Long-distance running performance can be influenced by different physiological factors (such as cardiac output or oxygen availability), biomechanical factors (such as stride length or vertical oscillation), and also psychological factors (such as mental toughness or motivation).
In a study conducted at the School of Medicine and Faculty of Sport Sciences at the University of Granada (Spain), the effect of functional whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) training on various physiological parameters including maximum oxygen uptake (VO₂max), ventilatory thresholds (VT1 and VT2), running economy (RE), and lower-body muscle strength in runners vs a Control training group were investigated over a 6-week period.
Twelve healthy male recreational runners who had been running 2 to 3 times per week (90 to 180 min/week) for at least the previous year and had no previous experience on WB-EMS training, participated in the study. The participants were randomly assigned to the WB-EMS training group (6 participants) and Control training group (6 participants).
The WB-EMS training group reduced their running training frequency to one per week and followed one functional WB-EMS training session per week which involved several specific exercises for runners, whereas the Control group maintained their usual running endurance training in terms of volume and intensity (2 or 3 times per week; 45 to 60 min per day; at an intensity of 60 to 70% heart rate reserve). Participants were instructed not to modify their nutrition habits.
The results of the study showed that VO₂max, aerobic and gas exchange threshold values, running economy, and muscular strength (assessed by vertical jump) improved in the WB-EMS group compared to the Control group.
It can thus be concluded that a 6-week functional WB-EMS training program (six training sessions) can be an effective training methodology to increase the performance of recreational runners despite a reduction in running training frequency.
Definitions:
VO₂max is a measure of the maximum amount of oxygen your body can use during exercise.
Ventilatory thresholds mark the points where oxygen delivery to the muscles becomes a limiting factor or in simpler terms, the points at which your breathing rate and depth increase significantly as your exercise intensity increases.
Running economy refers to the ability to move efficiently with minimum energy consumption.
Reference:
Whole-body electromyostimulation improves performance-related parameters in runners.
Amaro-Gahete et al. 2018.
[https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2018.01576]