A Prospective, Open-Label Study to Evaluate Functional Changes Following Electromagnetic Muscle Stimulation of Abdominal Muscle

BACKGROUND: Electromagnetic muscle stimulation (EMMS) is an effective, well-tolerated noninvasive body contouring treatment for strengthening, toning, and firming the abdomen. OBJECTIVES: In this study, functional changes following abdominal EMMS treatment wereevaluated. METHODS: In this prospective, open-label study, adults received 8 abdominal EMMS treatments (2 treatments on nonconsecutive days/week over 4 weeks). Follow-ups occurred 1 month (primary endpoint), 2, and 3 months postfinal treatment. Effectiveness endpoints included improvements from baseline on Body Satisfaction Questionnaire (BSQ; primary endpoint), core strength (timed plank test), abdominal endurance (curl-up test), and Subject Experience Questionnaire (SEQ). Safety was evaluated throughout. RESULTS: Sixteen participants (68.8% female) were enrolled, with a mean age of 39.3 years and a mean BMI of 24.4 kg/m(2); 14 participants completed the study per protocol. Mean BSQ scores were significantly improved from baseline (27.9) to the 1-month follow-up (36.6; P < .05). Core strength and abdominal endurance were significantly greater at the 1-, 2-, and 3-month posttreatment time points than at baseline (P < .05). Frequently cited reasons for seeking EMMS treatment included a desire to feel stronger (100%; n = 14/14) and to improve athletic performance (100%; n = 14/14). SEQ responses 3 months posttreatment showed that most participants reported feeling stronger (92.9%) and motivated to receive additional EMMS treatments (100%) and work out to maintain treatment results (100%). The majority of participants (>78%) reported being “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with abdominal treatment 1 month posttreatment. One device- and/or procedure-related adverse event of menstrual cycle irregularity was reported in 1 participant and was mild in severity. CONCLUSIONS: EMMS treatment of the abdomen is associated with functional strength improvements and high patient satisfaction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4: [Image: see text]