Profile of Whole Body Electromyostimulation Training Users-A Pilot Study

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Sports Science
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Whole Body Electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) is a time-efficient training method gaining global popularity.
• Increased WB-EMS adoption necessitates understanding user demographics and motivations.
• This study profiles WB-EMS users to enhance intervention effectiveness and program design.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the socio-demographic profile of Whole Body Electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) users.
• To understand the primary motivations and goals of WB-EMS practitioners.
• To analyze differences in user profiles and goals between genders.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional pilot study involving 270 WB-EMS users across 5 countries.
• Data collection via an online questionnaire assessing socio-demographic information.
• Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, Mann−Whitney U-test, and Chi-square tests with Bonferroni correction.

Main Results:

• The primary WB-EMS user is a physically active woman aged 35-49 with a normal BMI and high educational attainment.
• Users engage in other physical activities, with men being significantly more active than women (p < 0.05).
• Key goals include weight loss, health/wellness, and muscle mass gain, with gender-specific differences observed (e.g., women prioritize weight loss; men prioritize rehabilitation).

Conclusions:

• The typical WB-EMS user profile is an active, educated woman aged 35-49, utilizing the training twice weekly.
• Primary motivations center on weight loss, health, wellness, and muscle gain.
• Gender influences training goals, highlighting the need for tailored program approaches.