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Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) Stimulation Increases Muscle Activity During Exercise in Sedentary People
Aurelio Trofè1, Alessandro Piras1, Luca Breviglieri1
1Department for Life Quality Studies, University of Bologna, Corso D'Augusto 237, 47921 Rimini, Italy.
Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology
|June 26, 2025
Summary
Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy significantly boosts muscle activation in sedentary men during cycling warm-ups and moderate exercise. This enhancement is most notable in the vastus medialis muscle.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) are known to induce electric currents in tissues.
- PEMF has been suggested to enhance muscle energy expenditure during strenuous exercise.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the acute effects of PEMF on muscular activation in sedentary males.
- To analyze the impact of PEMF on vastus medialis (RVM) and biceps femoris (RBF) muscle activity during cycling.
Main Methods:
- Surface electromyography (EMG) measured RVM and RBF activity.
- EMG signals were normalized to maximal voluntary contraction.
- Measurements were taken at baseline, during warm-up cycling, and during 15 minutes of moderate-intensity constant-load cycling.
- Subjects underwent two conditions: PEMF ON versus PEMF OFF.
Main Results:
- No significant baseline differences were observed between PEMF ON and OFF conditions.
- Significant differences in EMG activity were found for both RVM and RBF during the warm-up phase (p=0.019 for RVM, p<0.001 for RBF).
- During constant-load exercise, only RVM showed significant differences in EMG activity between conditions (p=0.002).
Conclusions:
- PEMF stimulation acutely enhances muscle activation, particularly in the vastus medialis, during moderate-intensity cycling in sedentary young men.
- The findings suggest PEMF may improve neuromuscular excitability and muscle recruitment.
- Potential mechanisms include enhanced calcium signaling and muscle perfusion.
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