Can EMS Make Elite Rugby Players 15% Stronger In The Squat?

Scientists tested 25 elite rugby players over 12 weeks of EMS on quads, calves and glutes (3 sessions then 1 per week). They measured isokinetic torque, 1RM squat, scrum force, vertical jumps and 20/50-m sprints at weeks 0, 6 and 12 versus controls. After 12 weeks the EMS group gained +15% squat, +10% squat jump, +6.6% drop jump and torque at –120°, 120° and 240°/s; scrums and sprints stayed unchanged. These results show EMS reliably boosts strength and power that rugby and other athletes can use, especially when volume is tapered. Peer-reviewed methods, a control group and elite subjects make the findings credible—read the full post for protocols, limits and how to pair EMS with sport-specific work.