Do Electronic Ab Machines Work?

Abdominal stimulation devices work on the principle that the electrical stimulation of muscles causes them to contract and thus giving them a workout without having to exercise them. They are presented in a belt form. Typically, electrodes in the belts transmit electrical impulses by pressing against the bare skin. When you wear the belt you will feel a tingling sensation and at higher levels of stimulation you will start to feel the muscles contracting.

Physical therapists have used the principle of strengthening muscles by the use of electrical stimulation for a long time. Usually, they are employed to rehabilitate atrophied muscles after injuries or surgery.

So the question is, do they increase muscle tone for ordinary people? The only way to answer this question is by consulting the available scientific data. One scientific study set up two similar groups of people to test the electronic muscle stimulation device. One group used the device 3 times a week for a total of 8 weeks according to the manufacturers description. The other group used a placebo device using what they thought was a proper muscle stimulator.

After 8 weeks the two groups were compared and scientists found no difference between them. There were no differences in muscle tone, lean tissue mass or body fat. Even strength levels were left unchanged by using the device.

So the moral of this story is not to believe everything you are told by the manufacturers or the marketeers.

The bad news is that if you want a firm and toned stomach then you are going to have to work at it by doing ab crunches and cardio work.