What is WB-EMS?
WB-EMS stands for whole-body electro-muscle stimulation. We use a suit containing electrodes covering each major muscle group to deliver a targeted stimulus to your muscles in a way that accents your body’s natural mechanism of muscle contraction.
How can WB-EMS help?
1. Enhanced Muscle Engagement and Motor Symptoms: Whole-Body EMS: Parkinson's disease is characterized by motor symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, and bradykinesia (slowness of movement). Whole-body EMS, which activates various muscle groups simultaneously, may offer a targeted approach to address muscle weakness and rigidity associated with Parkinson's.
2. Dopamine Release and Motor Function: Dopamine and Exercise: Both traditional exercise and EMS have the potential to enhance dopamine release. For Parkinson's patients, this could be particularly relevant, as dopamine deficiency is a key factor in the disease. Increased dopamine release may contribute to improved motor function and coordination.
3. Neuroplasticity for Motor Control: Motor Learning and Neuroplasticity: EMS, when combined with exercises focusing on motor learning and coordination, may stimulate neuroplasticity in brain areas responsible for motor control. This can be beneficial for individuals with Parkinson's, helping to improve movement patterns and reduce motor symptoms.
4. Cognitive Challenges and Dual-Task Training: Cognitive Benefits: Parkinson's disease can also impact cognitive function. Incorporating cognitive challenges during EMS training, such as dual-task exercises that involve both physical and cognitive elements, may provide additional cognitive benefits for Parkinson's patients.
5. Complementary Effects of Traditional Exercise: Aerobic and Resistance Training: Integrating traditional aerobic and resistance exercises alongside EMS can be beneficial. Aerobic exercise may support overall brain health through increased BDNF levels, while resistance training helps maintain muscle strength and mobility.
Is it safe/how?
Our trial is led by friendly practitioners who are experts in WB-EMS training. Our study protocol, specially crafted for those with Parkinson's, has received approval from the IRB. Plus, as a participant, you're in the driver's seat – you get to decide the intensity of the stimulation throughout the study. Your safety and comfort are our top priorities!
How does a Clinical Trial Work?
The procedures and process for your specific clinical trial will be explained before you start. The Study Coordinator and Principal Investigator will guide you throughout, checking your health at the trial's onset, providing instructions, closely monitoring you, and staying in touch post-study. Some trials may involve additional tests and visits; success hinges on following instructions and staying connected with the research staff.
What to expect during a WB-EMS session
Your session consists of three key components. We kick off with a warm-up, during which we determine the optimal stimulation level for each muscle group on that day. This is followed by a 20-minute session of functional exercises in the suit. Finally, we wrap up with a 3-minute recovery period designed to help flush out lactic acid and metabolites.
How long is the trial?
Our trial is 3 months in length from initial screening to completion. This will consist of 36 1-hour sessions at our clinic in Winter Park FL over the course of 12 weeks.
Stabilis Medical's clinical trial protocol for Parkinson's patients has been approved by the Institutional Review Board. However, this equipment for the use of tremor reduction is not FDA-approved.
