Electronic muscle stimulation has been a well-known practice in athletic circles for years but it's typically only available on bulky machines. But workout enthusiasts will soon have access to a new electronic muscle stimulation device that connects to an app on Apple and Android phones. Powerdot recently announced the launch of its product that uses EMS, or e-stim, which aims to enhance performance and recovery using electric impulses that cause a contraction in certain muscles.
The Singapore-based company says it has the first mobile, wearable smart muscle stimulation device. It originally got FDA clearance for the project in 2015. Compared to traditional, bulky e-stim machines, Powerdot's device can fit in one hand.
Consumers can wear the product and then wirelessly control the device through their phone. The goal is to to create deeper and more complete muscle contractions than typical achieved in training or activity, according to the company.
The company claims EMS can increase performance, enhance health, prevent injury, reduce soreness and work as a noninvasive treatment to manage muscle pain and discomfort.
"As more people depend on smartphones for convenient health and wellness support, we saw an opportunity to enter the market by bringing a previously inaccessible, yet highly effective, performance technology to consumers' fingertips," said Eric Glader, co-founder of Powerdot in a statement. "Through the launch of Powerdot, we hope to educate the public about the unparalleled benefits of e-stim, and elevate physical activity across the board."
Programs last from five to 46 minutes, according to the company’s press statement, and are typically done when the consumer is relaxing and not doing strenuous activity. The program includes nine different workouts ranging from activity recovery to muscle endurance.
The company was originally called SmartMio and has been working on an small EMS product for years. In 2014 the company launched an Indiegogo campaign wherein it raised $80,000, surpassing an original $50,000 goal. Since then the company’s Indiegogo account now reports the company has raised $122,931.
