As most people know, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates food and drugs, but some people may not know that the federal agency also regulates medical devices. according to it, Websitedoes this to ensure the “safety and effectiveness” of such devices, and strives to monitor the sale and use of everything from simple tongue depressors to complex programmable pacemakers. Masu.
Among the more recent medical devices that have received FDA approval are electronic abdominal muscle stimulators. This is a piece of equipment that aims to help users strengthen, tighten, and tone their core muscles.
What is an abdominal muscle stimulator?
The first thing to understand about abdominal muscle stimulators is that they are part of a broader range of muscle stimulators known as electronic muscle stimulators (EMS devices).
EMS equipment is often used for physical therapy and rehabilitation purposes. Doctors offer or prescribe them to patients to treat muscle spasms, improve range of motion, prevent muscle atrophy, or help muscles recover after a patient has undergone a serious injury or major surgery . “Electrical muscle stimulators have been used by physical therapists for decades to treat damaged muscle tissue,” says David, a certified nutritional consultant based in Dallas, “and adipose inflammation. says Dr. Lori Shemek, author of “How to Fight.”
Recently, a type of EMS device was also approved by the FDA to help you get more toned abs. These devices are colloquially known as abdominal muscle stimulators. Shemek explains that these devices use electrical pulses or stimulation to force muscles to contract. “This contraction creates abdominal growth,” she says.
Are abdominal muscle stimulators effective?
That’s why “ab stimulators really work,” says Shemek. She says that while ab stimulators can help strengthen and tone the abdominal muscles, “a person’s body can’t get six-pack abs without a healthy diet and enough exercise.” There is no evidence that it significantly changes the Even if the ab stimulator works as intended, “it takes about two months to see any visible changes,” she says.
Natalie Allen, MD, RD, clinical associate professor and athletics team nutritionist at Missouri State University, claims that some abdominal muscle stimulators reduce waist size and improve posture. He says there are some. “However, research is limited and has not shown significant improvement” in these regions. ” In fact, many of these devices lack some of their claimed benefits, according to the FDA. “At this time, FDA is not aware of any scientific information that supports many of the claims made about a number of devices that are widely advertised on television, infomercials, newspapers, and magazines,” the agency said. Note.
At the same time, the federal agency says that applying electrical current to muscles through an abdominal muscle stimulator “may ultimately result in some muscle strength and toning, but based on currently available data, You can make big changes to your appearance without adding weight or regular exercise.”
In addition to FDA-approved abdominal muscle stimulators like the Slendertone Flex that use electrical pulses, there are also FDA-approved devices like the Emsculpt Neo that work a little differently. “Unlike traditional abdominal muscle stimulators, Emsculpt Neo utilizes a different form of stimulation that combines high-intensity focused electromagnetic energy and radio frequency,” says La Chelle Medical Aesthetics, Pennsylvania. Dr. Lisa Espinoza, a cosmetic physician and medical director at Tix, explains.
What are the disadvantages of abdominal muscle stimulators?
Although both of these devices are FDA approved, many of the available abdominal muscle stimulators are not approved and may carry some risks. F.D.A. Note Following “reports of shock, burns, bruising, skin irritation, pain, and interference with other critical medical devices (such as pacemakers) associated with the use of unregulated (abdominal muscle stimulator) products.” He said that Additionally, unregulated ab stimulators have safety issues related to cables and leads that “could cause accidental shock or electrocution by the user or other family members, including children.” he added.
Espinoza says that even if such devices do not cause serious harm, many unregulated abdominal stimulators often promise results that are “too good to be true” and should be considered by a doctor when considering health conditions. states that it is best to receive treatment under the supervision of a doctor or use devices recommended by a doctor. Use of electronic muscle stimulators.
Shemek agrees, saying it’s important not to overuse an ab stimulator and to take breaks between uses. “Muscles take time to recover, which is an important and even crucial part of why your abs get bigger and stronger,” she says. Allen recommends an overall more natural approach to the goal of becoming physically fit. “Walk, run, hike, bike, and focus on a healthy diet high in fruits, vegetables, and lean protein to improve your overall health and tone your abs. Lose weight in all areas, including your body,” she advises.
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