Influence of WB-EMS on strength endurance parameters and subjectively perceived back pain

Whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) has become a time-efficient train-ing method with positive effects on maximum strength, back pain and strength endurance of the lower extremities. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to analyze the influence of a WB-EMS intervention on strength endurance parameters and subjectively perceived back pain in a multicentric implementation. 148 participants (35.2 ± 12.5years, 173.3 ± 9.4cm, 76.6 ± 15.9kg, BMI 25.4 ± 4.6) were divided into an intervention group with a 6-week WB-EMS in-tervention (EMS, n = 81) and an inactive control group (CON, n = 67). Primary outcome measure was strength endurance of the trunk, secondary outcome measures were subjectively perceived back pain and strength endurance of the plan. A two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures (2 groups x 2 times) was applied for all var-iables. Statistical analysis revealed a significant main effect of time (p < .001, ηp² = .490) and time x group (p < .001, ηp² = .614). Furthermore, significant time effects were detected for VAS24 (p < .001), VAS7 (p < .001), lateral flexion of the right side (p < .001), left side (p < .001), trunk flexion (p < .001), -extension (p < .001) and plank position (p < .001) with significant group differences. WB-EMS leads to significant changes in parameters of strength endurance and subjectively perceived backpain after a 6-week intervention in commercial WB-EMS facilities.