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Do Muscle Stimulators Build Muscle?

Many people would like to improve their appearance without having to participate in strenuous exercise. Manufacturers of electronic muscle stimulators claim that the use of these devices can increase muscle mass in the absence of exercise.

  1. Identification

    • An electrical muscle stimulator--EMS--causes muscles in the body to contract. According to WebMD, these devices have been used successfully in the field of physical therapy, however, some EMS devices are marketed as a way to build muscle without exercising.

    Function

    • Some websites that market EMS products claim these devices can help build muscle because the contractions they produce are similar to those experienced during actual physical exercise. Some websites even state that wearing the device for 30 minutes is equivalent to completing 500 sit-ups.

    Expert Insight

    • Certain websites promoting EMS products, such as BodyShapers.com, state this type of device is completely safe for anyone capable of participating in traditional exercise. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states it has received reports of burns, shocks, and pain associated with the use of EMS devices, with some injuries requiring medical treatment or hospitalization. The FDA also reports that the use of these devices will not result in any major change to a person's appearance.

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