Meta-analysis Shows Combining Electrical Muscle Stimulation with Resistance Training Increases Strength - Video

In a new meta-analysis study published in the European Journal of Applied Physiology, researchers found that using neuromuscular electrical stimulation while doing resistance training leads to greater muscle mass and strength compared to resistance training alone.

Researchers conducted a meta-analysis comprising more than a dozen studies that used neuromuscular electrical stimulation and reviewed their results.

The analysis focused on studies where participants performed traditional resistance exercises, such as bench presses or squats while using neuromuscular electrical stimulation devices.

The studies compared the results of participants using electrical stimulators while exercising to those who did the exercises with no electrical stimulation. Participants’ muscle mass and strength were assessed at the beginning and the end of each study. Training periods for participants ranged from two to 16 weeks, with longer durations yielding better results.

“Under normal conditions, the brain activates muscles by sending signals through the nervous system.” said Sudip Bajpeyi, Ph.D., a professor in the Department of Kinesiology at The University of Texas at El Paso. “neuromuscular electrical stimulation mimics this process by delivering external electrical currents to the nerves, causing the muscles to contract, without input from the brain. Think of it as though your muscles are contracting involuntarily.”

“Exercise is medicine, but not everyone is able or willing to engage in traditional exercise” he said. “neuromuscular electrical stimulation has great potential for improving metabolic health by building muscle mass, which can help the body process blood glucose more effectively.”

Reference: Narvaez, G., Apaflo, J., Wagler, A. et al. The additive effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation and resistance training on muscle mass and strength. Eur J Appl Physiol (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-024-05700-2