A collaborative research group comprising Associate Professor Yuichi Nishikawa from the Faculty of Frontier Engineering, Institute of Science and Engineering, Kanazawa University, Lecturer Junsuke Nakase from the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University Hospital, Physical Therapist Takuya Sengoku from Section of Rehabilitation, University Hospital, and Professor Seigo Kinuya from the Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, has successfully stimulated deep muscles such as the transversus abdominis and iliopsoas using a unique electrical msucle stimulation (EMS) method known as interferential low-frequency EMS.
In this study, we examined how interferential low-frequency electrical stimulation affects deep muscles in young men, and successfully visualized its effects using PET-CT (*1).
Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) is a technique that uses electrical signals to make muscles contract. It’s widely used in rehabilitation to help maintain or improve muscle strength. However, conventional EMS mainly targets surface-level muscles and has had limited success in reaching deeper core muscles around the trunk and pelvis—such as the transversus abdominis and iliopsoas—which are essential for posture and stability.
In this study, we used interferential current EMS in the 400 Hz range to evaluate muscle activity by visualizing glucose metabolism with PET-CT imaging. The results showed a significant increase in glucose uptake across multiple muscles—including deep muscle groups in the trunk, pelvis, and lower limbs—providing the first scientific evidence that this method effectively stimulates deep muscles.
These findings suggest that this method could serve as a new intervention for older adults and individuals with limited mobility, whose deep muscle activity tends to decline due to aging or illness. It holds promise for applications such as fall prevention and improving core stability and function.
The results of this study was published online edition in European Journal of Applied Physiology on June 12, 2025 at 22:00 (London time).
Figure : PET-CT images (upper panel: EMS (interference low-frequency) group, lower panel: control group)
【Glossary】
*1：PET-CT
PET-CT is an imaging technique that makes it possible to visualize how energy is used inside the body.
A small amount of a radioactive substance called FDG (fluorodeoxyglucose), which is similar to glucose, is injected into the body. Active muscles and organs absorb more of this substance. PET imaging shows where FDG is concentrated, allowing researchers to identify which areas are more metabolically active. By combining PET with CT (Computed Tomography), it becomes possible to see both the structure of the body and how it is functioning at the same time.
Click here to see the press release【Japanese only】
Journal：European Journal of Applied Physiology
Researcher's Information： Yuichi Nishikawa
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