One 30-Minute EMS Session Improved Vascular Endothelial Function and Blood Flow, Study Finds

In a 2016 quasi-randomized controlled trial published in the International Heart Journal, Kitasato University researchers tested one 30-minute EMS session on the thighs and calves of 34 men ~12 days after heart attack. Only the group receiving EMS with muscle contractions showed clear benefits: vascular endothelial function (RH-PAT index) improved significantly from 1.61 to 1.85 (p<0.05), while peripheral blood circulation (Foot-tcPO₂) rose markedly during and after the session (p<0.01). The sensory-only control group showed no meaningful changes. The session was safe — systolic blood pressure rose less than 10 mmHg, heart rate stayed stable, and there were no adverse events. Researchers link the improvements to increased shear stress triggering nitric oxide release. This rigorous, peer-reviewed evidence from a leading Japanese medical university suggests EMS can support better blood flow. Read our full blog post for the complete story and what it means for everyday vascular wellness. Full info: https://oriems.fit/blogs/research-digest/can-one-ems-session-reboot-your-vascular-health