What is the safe frequency for High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic (HIFEM) muscle hypertrophy exercises, such as every other day?

From the Guidelines

HIFEM muscle stimulation treatments should be spaced with at least 2-3 days between sessions, with a typical protocol of 2 sessions per week for 2-3 weeks, as this allows for adequate recovery time and optimal muscle growth. This recommendation is based on the principles of muscle repair and growth, as well as the findings from studies on resistance training and muscle hypertrophy 1. The most recent and highest quality study, published in 2024, suggests that flywheel resistance training, which is similar to HIFEM, can enhance muscular force and mass in shorter periods (4-6 weeks) when applied 2-3 times per week 1.

Key Considerations

• The body needs sufficient time to repair the muscle tissue and build new muscle fibers through the natural hypertrophy process
• Doing sessions too frequently can lead to excessive muscle fatigue, diminished results, and potentially increased risk of injury
• Patients should maintain proper hydration before and after treatments, follow a protein-adequate diet to support muscle recovery, and avoid scheduling HIFEM sessions immediately before or after intense physical workouts of the same muscle groups

Evidence-Based Guidelines

• The 2018 Dutch physical activity guidelines recommend engaging in activities that strengthen muscles and bones at least twice a week 1
• The 2007 American Heart Association statement on resistance exercise recommends performing resistance training 2 days per week, with a focus on major muscle groups 1
• The 2024 consensus statement on flywheel resistance training technology suggests that a training frequency of 2-3 times per week can enhance muscular force and mass in shorter periods (4-6 weeks) 1

Clinical Implications

• HIFEM muscle stimulation treatments should be individualized based on patient needs and goals
• Patients should be educated on the importance of proper recovery time, hydration, and nutrition to support muscle growth and repair
• Clinicians should monitor patient progress and adjust treatment protocols as needed to optimize outcomes and minimize risks.

From the Research

Safe Frequency for HIFEM Muscle Hypertrophy Exercises

• The safe frequency for High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic (HIFEM) muscle hypertrophy exercises is not directly addressed in the provided studies, but we can look at the frequency of other forms of muscle stimulation and resistance training for guidance.
• A study on resistance training frequency found that there is no significant difference in muscle hypertrophy between higher and lower frequency training when volume is equated 2.
• A study on electrical myostimulation (EMS) suggests that a minimum of three sessions per week for at least 5-6 weeks should be performed for effective muscle building 3.
• A study on twice-daily resistance training sessions found that this frequency can result in greater muscle strength and similar muscle hypertrophy compared to once-daily sessions in trained men 4.
• Studies on HIFEM technology specifically found that 8 treatments (2 per week) can result in significant reductions in subcutaneous fat and increases in muscle thickness 5, and that electromagnetic muscle stimulation can be an effective therapeutic intervention for abdominal contouring 6.

Frequency of HIFEM Treatments

• One study found that 4 treatments of HIFEM can deliver 86% of the observed improvement in abdominal body sculpting, with 8 treatments (2 per week) resulting in significant reductions in subcutaneous fat and increases in muscle thickness 5.
• Another study suggests that HIFEM treatments can be effective for up to 1 year after treatment, but larger, controlled studies are needed to determine the efficacy of HIFEM alone for contouring of different body sites 6.