Technology guide
EMT / HIFEM: electromagnetic muscle stimulation
EMT and HIFEM refer to the same family of technologies: an intense electromagnetic field that makes the muscle contract without effort. Principle, settings and how it differs from conventional electrical stimulation.
The acronyms
EMT stands for “Electromagnetic Muscle Training” and HIFEM for “High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic”. Both terms describe devices that apply a high-intensity magnetic field to a muscle to trigger supramaximal contractions, beyond what voluntary effort allows.
The physical principle
A magnetic field that changes very rapidly induces an electrical current in the tissues it passes through: this is electromagnetic induction. This current triggers the contraction of the muscle fibres. The BodyShape III, for example, works at 1.9 Tesla, with 260-microsecond pulses repeated at 150 Hz.
What it produces
The muscle responds to this intense work by getting stronger (hypertrophy). The effort consumes energy and mobilises stored fat: this is indirect lipolysis. Together, these two effects give the area a more toned and defined appearance.
Settings
Field intensity, pulse duration and frequency, number of applicators and number of sessions. The source describes courses of 4 to 8 sessions, a few days apart.
EMT or electrical stimulation?
Conventional electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) works through electrodes stuck to the skin and remains superficial. EMT works without electrodes, through light clothing or a protective layer, and reaches deep into the muscle with much stronger contractions.
Precautions
Pacemakers, neurostimulators, metal implants in the area, uncontrolled epilepsy, pregnancy and tumours are contraindications. Mild muscle soreness is possible within 48 hours.