Myostimulator: what is it, how does it work and what is it for?
Myostimulator is a device that transmits electrical impulses to nerve cells, which instantly contract muscles and thus train them without human intervention. It is used to strengthen and strengthen muscle mass, as well as to treat atrophy and during rehabilitation. How this device works and what its real benefits are is described in detail in the presented article.
The content of the article
How does a myostimulator work?
First of all, you need to understand what a myostimulator is. This is the name of a device that stimulates the processes of excitation of the nervous system, due to which muscles contract. Since the effect is achieved through electrical impulses, the full name of this instrument is “electromyostimulator”.
Understand how a myostimulator works. simple enough. It has a main unit in a plastic case, on the front of which there is a control panel. Wires extend from the block, ending with electrodes that are attached to different parts of the body (for example, on the abs, shins).
The device operates from mains or battery. We can say about a myostimulator that this is equipment that generates weak electrical impulses that are completely safe for humans. They are instantly transmitted to the nervous system, which causes the muscles to contract. Those.if in the normal state they work thanks to biological electricity, which is produced by the nervous system, then in this case we are talking about external (forced) stimulation.
It’s not difficult to figure out how to use a myostimulator. It is connected to the network, the Velcro wires are attached to the surface of the body and the desired mode is started. During operation of the equipment, a slight warmth is felt, as well as contraction of muscle fibers. Based on this, it is easy to understand why a myostimulator is needed. With systematic use, you can achieve several results:
- increase the volume of muscle fibers;
- stimulate the speed and strength of muscle tissue contraction;
- increase overall endurance;
- eliminate muscle spasms;
- restore muscle tissue after serious stress or illness;
- due to the development of muscle tissue, increase the range of motion;
- restore motor function as part of rehabilitation, for example, after paralysis;
- stimulate blood circulation, as well as lymph flow, improve tissue nutrition and speed up metabolic processes.
We can say about a myostimulator that it is a device that makes muscles work without physiological influence. Those. At the same time, a person does not get tired, he can simply lie down, be at rest, and the fibers contract without his direct participation.
What is the device used for?
Electric muscle stimulator is used for both sports and medical purposes. It is used for fitness, formation and strengthening of muscle mass, in the treatment of certain diseases and for rehabilitation.
Sport
It is in the case of sports use that people most often wonder how to use a myostimulator for the abs or another muscle group.Within this direction, there are 2 options:
- Passive use, i.e. "fitness on the couch" The user sits, lies or stands, remains at rest, and the device contracts the fibers and thus strengthens the muscles. This mode is also used to restore tissue after training, which saves energy and spends less time.
- The best myostimulators are also used directly during training to obtain maximum load. This also saves time, because normally you would have to do the exercise longer to get the same load. In addition, the device helps to activate those muscle groups that do not participate well in general work, for example, in the area of the shoulder blades or buttocks.
Treatment and rehabilitation
Before you figure out which muscle stimulator to choose, you need to know exactly why the device is needed. If it is used for the treatment of diseases or rehabilitation, the requirements for equipment are more stringent. In this case, the instrument is used as physiotherapy and performing certain physical therapy exercises.
A myostimulator for men and women is used to treat muscle atrophy, i.e. weakening of the tissue against the background of its thinning. This pathology can develop against the background of other diseases, and also provoke a deterioration in the nervous system, which is especially common in old age.
Which myostimulator to choose
Devices are selected according to several technical characteristics. First of all, you need to know its purpose. For example, the best myostimulator for the abs, buttocks and other muscle groups is not suitable for massage, cosmetic procedures, and even more so for treatment or rehabilitation.Therefore, you should carefully read the description of the model to find out its main functions - the effectiveness of myostimulators largely depends on this.
But there are other factors that are also worth considering:
- Operating frequency - if the equipment is needed purely for sporting purposes, the optimal value is 2000 Hz. Moreover, on modern devices it can be adjusted to suit your needs as much as possible.
- Electrical impulse level, i.e. current strength. Thus, for cosmetic procedures on the face, models with an indicator within 15 mA are used. And if you need to remove cellulite, the force should be at least 30 mA.
- Purpose depending on gender. If we talk about which muscle stimulator is better, it should be taken into account that the devices are divided into male, female and universal.
- Current source – stationary ones operate from the mains, have the widest possible functionality, while portable ones can be taken with you, but their use is limited.
- You can also evaluate the effectiveness of a muscle stimulator for the press by its effectiveness. For example, in this case it is more convenient to use a belt. There are also models in the shape of butterflies, shorts, or stationary devices for universal use (for any surface of the body).
- Finally, the best myostimulator should have comfortable electrodes that fit comfortably on the body and do not cause discomfort. Many models are equipped with self-adhesive gel electrodes - they are universal, easily attached to the skin, but require periodic replacement due to the impossibility of cleaning them from dirt. There are also electrodes on belts that attach well to any surface, but require the use of gel. The most durable electrodes are those on belts that have sponges (a small sponge that is moistened with water).
Thus, the electrical circuit of the myostimulator ensures complete safety of this device for humans. It is used mainly for sports, general health and cosmetic purposes. The device really strengthens muscle mass, but only in combination with basic exercise. And the maximum effect will be noticeable through the use of an appropriate diet and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.