INTRODUCTION
Long-term intensive resistance training programs are known to improve isometric strength1,2 and result in muscle hypertrophy,3,4 with accepted hypotheses that the hypertrophic effects are primarily caused by induced muscular micro injury.5,6 Yet studies demonstrate that approximately 50% of people attempting to follow some kind of exercise program drop out due to lack of motivation after several months.7,8 Magnetic stimulation was investigated as an alternative to resistance training and results showed improvement in muscle strength.9,10
Recent studies11–14 reported that intense muscle contractions induced by application of high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) technology increased anterior abdominal muscle mass, reduced subcutaneous fat thickness, and reduced the distance between the rectus abdominis muscles. The net result was a reduction in abdominal waist circumference and an improvement in the overall appearance of the abdomen. HIFEM technology is based on a rapidly changing magnetic field generated with a wire coil that, as described by the Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction, induces a secondary electric current in the underlying tissue.15 The current triggers action potentials in motor neurons which consequently lead to muscle contractions in the area of application.15
Initial HIFEM studies that reported changes in both muscle and fat tissues applied four-treatments. It has been proposed that a higher number of induced muscle contractions will result in more muscle micro injury with resultant increased muscle hypertrophy and fat reduction. However, studies that have investigated this hypothesis are lacking. This study investigated an extended treatment protocol of a novel device (EMSCULPT, BTL Industries Inc., Boston, MA) utilizing a high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) field. The goal of this study is to evaluate the safety and effects of adipose and muscle tissues in the abdomen using computed tomography (CT) and an extended treatment protocol.
Recent studies11–14 reported that intense muscle contractions induced by application of high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) technology increased anterior abdominal muscle mass, reduced subcutaneous fat thickness, and reduced the distance between the rectus abdominis muscles. The net result was a reduction in abdominal waist circumference and an improvement in the overall appearance of the abdomen. HIFEM technology is based on a rapidly changing magnetic field generated with a wire coil that, as described by the Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction, induces a secondary electric current in the underlying tissue.15 The current triggers action potentials in motor neurons which consequently lead to muscle contractions in the area of application.15
Initial HIFEM studies that reported changes in both muscle and fat tissues applied four-treatments. It has been proposed that a higher number of induced muscle contractions will result in more muscle micro injury with resultant increased muscle hypertrophy and fat reduction. However, studies that have investigated this hypothesis are lacking. This study investigated an extended treatment protocol of a novel device (EMSCULPT, BTL Industries Inc., Boston, MA) utilizing a high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) field. The goal of this study is to evaluate the safety and effects of adipose and muscle tissues in the abdomen using computed tomography (CT) and an extended treatment protocol.
