WB-EMS Market Development—Perspectives and Threats

Joshua Berger (), Michael Fröhlich and Wolfgang Kemmler
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Joshua Berger: German University for Prevention and Health Management, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
Michael Fröhlich: Department of Sports Science, Technische Universität Kaiserslautern, 67663 Kaiserslautern, Germany
Wolfgang Kemmler: Institute of Radiology, University Hospital Erlangen, 91052 Erlangen, Germany

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 21, 1-5

Abstract: As a time-efficient and highly effective form of training, whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) enables personalised training for a wide range of users due to its personal training character and the individual control of the training intensity. However, due to misuse, negative side effects of WB-EMS have been reported in the past, resulting in expert guidelines for safe and effective WB-EMS application being issued. Furthermore, the use of WB-EMS is now legally permitted only for qualified personnel with certified equipment. This professionalization of the WB-EMS market as per the definition of quality standards for the devices and the personnel ensured a safe and effective WB-EMS application. However, recent market developments are undermining these standards through the growing of WB-EMS offers for the private sector. Hereby, most concepts focus on completely or predominately non-supervised WB application without control of potential overload by a qualified trainer. WB application is by no means trivial and the shift of responsibility for safety and effectiveness from the certified personnel to the trainees themselves is a clear step backwards in the development of WB-EMS use. We conclude that private, inadequately supervised WB-EMS application bears more dangers than potential benefits, not only for the trainees but also for the WB-EMS market as a whole.

Keywords: WB-EMS; electromyostimulation; EMS; home training; strength training (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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