EMS in Oncology

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EMS training in oncology offers cancer patients an innovative addition to exercise therapy. It enables effective muscle building and strength training that is easy on the joints, even during therapy. Initial experiences show potential for preparing for surgery and for combating weight and muscle mass loss (cachexia).

In November 2012, the Center for Integrated Oncology (CIO) Cologne Bonn, the University Hospital Cologne, and the German Sport University Cologne established a movement therapy training center exclusively for oncological patients.

In the past, cancer patients were advised to rest as much as possible and avoid exertion. This approach is now outdated. Today, medical professionals and scientists are convinced of a positive correlation between physical activity and the condition and mental state of cancer patients. In an area of approximately 110 square meters, cancer patients are trained by experienced and specially qualified therapists as part of their care and also within scientific studies.

What's special about Oncological Training Therapy in Cologne: Physicians, psychologists, and sports scientists work together under one roof, right where patients receive their medical care.

For over a year now, in addition to classic strength and endurance equipment, a medical EMS device from miha bodytec has also been in use.

Does EMS Training Work with Cancer Patients?

Our initial experiences with whole-body EMS training for oncological patients suggest that the training is not only feasible but also effective in building strength and muscle, potentially serving as a useful complement to conventional training methods. The training was very well implemented for patients before or after completed oncological therapy, but was also possible for patients undergoing acute medical treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation. Of course, especially during acute therapy, specially trained oncology-specific trainers are needed to address possible contraindications and limitations due to the disease or therapy (e.g., low blood counts). Moreover, constant dialogue with patients before, during, and after training is mandatory.

The training itself should be conducted in a 1:1 setting, as oncological patients have very different prerequisites and limitations. For optimally effective training, intensities, exercises, and scope should be personalized. We found that patients approach this new training method with a healthy measure of caution in the first session, but become accustomed to the electrical stimulation during the initial training unit. Thus, the electrical impulses can and should be accompanied by everyday functional movements early on. By the second training session, many patients' initial inhibitions about higher intensities of electrical pulses were resolved, and the desired training ranges for muscle building could be achieved. This is an advantage over many conventional forms of training, where sufficient movement quality often needs to be established first to work safely at higher intensities. In EMS training, intensity regulation occurs through electrical application and is therefore passively administered to the patient, meaning that theoretically, one could train at very high intensities very quickly without special prior knowledge, at least in terms of muscle and strength training. This is where I see the primary application of EMS training in oncology. An effective and time-saving strength training that doesn't require special prior knowledge from cancer patients. Additionally, depending on the form of execution, the training can be conducted in a joint- and bone-sparing manner, which can be highly relevant in oncology in the context of osteoporosis, bones at risk of fracture, and chronic joint pain. I currently see no application for endurance training via EMS applications, as there are no discernible advantages over conventional methods for me.

Perspectives on EMS Training in Oncology

I consider EMS training to be a useful addition and extension to the movement therapy repertoire in oncology. Truly, EMS training is not suitable for everyone, but there are some situations where EMS training shows particular potential. On one hand, it needs to be clarified in the future whether EMS training is more effective compared to conventional strength training in maintaining or building muscle strength and mass. Tumor-associated weight and muscle mass loss (cachexia) often progresses rapidly and is difficult to treat. A multimodal approach with intensive strength training at initial weight loss could potentially slow down or halt the progression of cachexia, especially through the quickly achievable high intensities of EMS training for strength and muscle maintenance or building. Another potential of EMS training could be short-term interventions over a period of 2-3 weeks. This is often the timeframe between diagnosis and the start of therapy and offers the opportunity to conduct build-up training to best prepare patients for surgery or chemotherapy. Quickly learnable and effective training methods like EMS training are also suitable for this. Of course, these initial impressions still need to be demonstrated through high-quality studies. However, our first experiences already show initial positive trends. In my view, EMS training cannot replace proven training methods, but it offers an innovative addition to the existing movement therapy contingent in oncology.

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