Summary
Whole-body-electro-myo-stimulation (WB-EMS) has been introduced as an alternative to physical training. The aim of the review is to summarize the data about indications and side effects of WB-EMS.
A literature search in PubMed disclosed 11 randomized trials, 3 cohort studies, and 7 case reports. From healthy volunteers, enormous creatine kinase (CK) elevations were reported. There is a lack of data about biological consequences of WB-EMS on other organs. In randomized trials, CK levels were not investigated, but several patients discontinued WB-EMS because of “muscular discomfort.” Contraindications for WB-EMS are not clearly defined. Nine cases of rhabdomyolysis after WB-EMS were found, preferentially after the first application.
Regulatory authorities should increase the safety of WB-EMS. Patients with a history of rhabdomyolysis should not undergo WB-EMS and those experiencing rhabdomyolysis should be neurologically investigated. Since the value of WB-EMS as an alternative to physical exercise is uncertain, we need to proof or disproof its benefit.
Zusammenfassung
Die Ganzkörperelektromyostimulation (GK-EMS) wurde als Alternative zu körperlichem Training eingeführt. Ziel der Übersichtsarbeit ist eine Zusammenfassung der Daten zu Indikationen und Nebenwirkungen von GK-EMS.
Eine Recherche in PubMed erbrachte 11 randomisierte Studien, 3 Kohortenstudien und 7 Fallberichte. Bei gesunden Probanden wurden enorme Kreatinkinase(CK)-Anstiege nach GK-EMS beobachtet. Es gibt keine Daten zu den biologischen Konsequenzen von GK-EMS für andere Organsysteme. In den randomisierten Studien wurde die CK nicht untersucht, mehrere Patienten brachen die GK-EMS aber wegen „muskulärer Missempfindungen“ ab. Kontraindikationen für GK-EMS sind uneinheitlich und nicht eindeutig formuliert. Neun Fälle mit Rhabdomyolyse nach GK-EMS wurden gefunden, hauptsächlich nach der ersten Anwendung.
Die Gesundheitsbehörden sollten Anstrengungen unternehmen, um die Sicherheit der GK-EMS zu erhöhen. Patienten mit Rhabdomyolyse in der Anamnese sollten keine GK-EMS absolvieren. Nach GK-EMS-induzierter Rhabdomyolyse sollten die Patienten neurologisch untersucht werden. Die Rolle der GK-EMS als Alternative zu körperlichem Training ist umstritten und sollte besser erforscht werden.
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C. Stöllberger and J. Finsterer declare that they have no competing interests.
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Stöllberger, C., Finsterer, J. Side effects of whole-body electro-myo-stimulation. Wien Med Wochenschr 169, 173–180 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10354-018-0655-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10354-018-0655-x