Training with electrical impulses or weights

FAU researchers compare the two currently most popular training methods

Many people do not have much time to exercise. They want to achieve the best possible results with the smallest possible training time. Researchers at FAU have compared two popular methods – high intensity training (HIT) and whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) – in a study. The results show that both methods achieve the desired results.

In strength and fitness training, HIT and WB-EMS are currently regarded as the most time-saving and effective ways of staying physically fit. High intensity training involves training to failure using the heaviest possible weight, i.e. using a relatively large amount of weight over a very short period of time. In WB-EMS small electrical impulses cause the muscles to contract whilst exercises are being carried out.

‘We compared the two training methods in our study to find out which of them achieved the best results with a small amount of training time,’ says Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Kemmler from FAU’s Institute of Medical Physics. ‘Our target group was healthy but untrained men aged between 30 and 50,’ explains Prof. Kemmler, who led the team behind the study. ‘We split the participants into two groups at random and had them complete a 16-week training programme.’ The results were clear. Both training methods achieved the desired results and led to a considerable increase in muscle mass and strength, as well as a significant loss of body fat. The only difference was the amount of time required. Although both groups used the time very effectively, with a net training time of 30 minutes per week the WB-EMS group required only half as much time as the HIT group.

Further information:

Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Kemmler
Phone: +49 9131 8523999
wolfgang.kemmler@imp.uni-erlangen.de