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1- Sport Coaching Education Study Program, Faculty of Sport and Health Education, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Bandung, Indonesia.
2- Nursing Study Program, Faculty of Sport and Health Education, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Bandung, Indonesia. ,afiantisulastri@upi.edu
2- Nursing Study Program, Faculty of Sport and Health Education, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Bandung, Indonesia. ,
Abstract: (302 Views)
Background. Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) has gained recognition for enhancing neuromuscular performance in elite athletes, yet its application among novice swimmers remains underexplored. Novices often face unique challenges such as poor motor coordination, muscular imbalance, and inconsistent performance—gaps that conventional training alone may not effectively address.
Objectives. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of EMS, explicitly using the EMS Butterfly device, in improving swimming speed and performance consistency in novice swimmers.
Methods. Twenty-one swimmers aged 15–18 were randomly allocated into an EMS group (n=14) and a control group (n=7). Over four weeks, the EMS group underwent biweekly EMS sessions targeting lower limb muscles, combined with regular swim training. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included 50-meter freestyle swim time and performance variability (Coefficient of Variation, CV). Data were analyzed using Repeated Measures ANOVA.
Results. EMS significantly improved swim performance (mean time reduction of 16.5s vs. 2.4s in controls; p<0.001) and reduced intra-individual variability (lower CV). A strong time × group interaction effect was observed (p<0.001, η²ₚ = 0.704). These outcomes suggest enhanced neuromuscular coordination, strength, and performance stability in the EMS group.
Conclusion. EMS is a practical, low-impact intervention that supports physical and psychological readiness in novice swimmers. It offers a scalable solution to accelerate foundational development while minimizing injury risk. Future studies should explore its long-term efficacy, biomechanical integration, and application in individualized training protocols.
Objectives. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of EMS, explicitly using the EMS Butterfly device, in improving swimming speed and performance consistency in novice swimmers.
Methods. Twenty-one swimmers aged 15–18 were randomly allocated into an EMS group (n=14) and a control group (n=7). Over four weeks, the EMS group underwent biweekly EMS sessions targeting lower limb muscles, combined with regular swim training. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included 50-meter freestyle swim time and performance variability (Coefficient of Variation, CV). Data were analyzed using Repeated Measures ANOVA.
Results. EMS significantly improved swim performance (mean time reduction of 16.5s vs. 2.4s in controls; p<0.001) and reduced intra-individual variability (lower CV). A strong time × group interaction effect was observed (p<0.001, η²ₚ = 0.704). These outcomes suggest enhanced neuromuscular coordination, strength, and performance stability in the EMS group.
Conclusion. EMS is a practical, low-impact intervention that supports physical and psychological readiness in novice swimmers. It offers a scalable solution to accelerate foundational development while minimizing injury risk. Future studies should explore its long-term efficacy, biomechanical integration, and application in individualized training protocols.
Keywords: Beginner Athletes, Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS), Neuromuscular Training, Performance Consistency, Swimming Performance.
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APPLICABLE REMARKS
APPLICABLE REMARKS
- Neuromuscular Priming for Swim Training: Incorporating short EMS sessions before swim workouts can enhance lower limb muscle activation, promoting improved propulsion and stroke efficiency without increasing injury risk.
- Injury Prevention Strategy: For beginners susceptible to overuse injuries, particularly in the shoulder and lower limb regions, EMS provides a low-impact method for strength development and muscular balance restoration.
- Performance Consistency Enhancement: Coaches may utilize EMS to reduce intra-individual performance variability, thereby improving athletes’ pacing control and psychological confidence in competitive settings.
- Adherence and Motivation Tool: Measurable progress achieved through EMS can boost motivation and training adherence among youth athletes, particularly those struggling with early-stage performance stagnation.
- Scalability and Accessibility: Given its affordability and user-friendly interface, the EMS Butterfly device offers a feasible and scalable intervention for community swim programs, especially in resource-limited settings.
Type of Study: Original Article |
Subject:
Sport Physiology and its related branches
Received: 2025/02/11 | Accepted: 2025/05/24
Received: 2025/02/11 | Accepted: 2025/05/24
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