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Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) is the elicitation of muscle contraction using electric impulses. The impulses are generated by a device and delivered through electrodes on the skin in direct proximity to the muscles to be stimulated. The impulses mimic the action potential coming from the central nervous system, causing the muscles to contract. The electrodes are generally pads that adhere to the skin.
EMS causes adaptation, i.e. training, of muscle fibers. Because of the characteristics of skeletal muscle fibers, different types of EMS can activate different types of fibers to differing degrees, and the modifications induced depend on the pattern of EMS activity. These patterns, referred to as protocols or programs, will cause a different response from contraction of different fiber types.
EMS can be used both as a training and a therapeutic tool. In medicine EMS is used for rehabilitation purposes, for instance in the prevention of disuse muscle atrophy which can occur after musculoskeletal injuries, such as damage to bones, joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons.