Electromagnetic muscle stimulation: A retrospective study of patient experience.

Abstract

BACKGROUND\nElectromagnetic muscle stimulation (EMMS) is a non-invasive body contouring technology for strengthening, firming, and toning the abdomen, buttocks, and thighs that is associated with high patient satisfaction.\n\n\nAIMS\nTo gain a greater understanding of factors contributing to patient satisfaction with EMMS.\n\n\nMETHODS\nThis was a retrospective, non-comparative study of patient information and questionnaires regarding EMMS treatments to abdomen and/or buttocks collected July 1 to December 1, 2019 from clinical practices in the United States. Questionnaires collected and included for study analysis were the Subject Experience Questionnaire (SEQ), the Body Satisfaction Questionnaire (BSQ), and the Subject-rated Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (SGAIS).\n\n\nRESULTS\nResponses from 146 treated patients were analyzed (abdomen only: n\xa0=\xa094; buttocks only, n\xa0=\xa030; abdomen and buttocks: n\xa0=\xa022). Patients were 79% female with mean age of 41.3\xa0years (range: 19-73). Frequently cited reasons for seeking EMMS treatment were a desire to appear more toned (89%) or slimmer (42%), and to feel stronger (38%). BSQ and SGAIS scores were improved 4\xa0weeks after treatment. On post-treatment SEQ, most patients reported being satisfied or very satisfied with abdomen (83.2%; n\xa0=\xa089/107) or buttocks (57.4%; n\xa0=\xa027/47) treatment. Most patients reported feeling stronger after abdomen treatment, and across both body areas, patients were more confident, happier with their overall appearance, and motivated to work out and maintain treatment results.\n\n\nCONCLUSION\nThis retrospective study of patient questionnaires provides important information on aesthetic and functional factors that can contribute to high patient satisfaction following EMMS treatment of the abdomen and/or buttocks.