Electromagnetic muscle stimulation: A retrospective study of patient experience.

BACKGROUND: Electromagnetic 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. AIMS: To gain a greater understanding of factors contributing to patient satisfaction with EMMS. METHODS: This 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). RESULTS: Responses from 146 treated patients were analyzed (abdomen only: n = 94; buttocks only, n = 30; abdomen and buttocks: n = 22). Patients were 79% female with mean age of 41.3 years (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 weeks after treatment. On post-treatment SEQ, most patients reported being "satisfied" or "very satisfied" with abdomen (83.2%; n = 89/107) or buttocks (57.4%; n = 27/47) 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. CONCLUSION: This 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.

A 12-Week, Prospective, Non-Comparative, Non-Randomized Study of Magnetic Muscle Stimulation for Improvement of Body Satisfaction With the Abdomen and Buttocks.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Magnetic muscle stimulation (MMS) is a relatively new energy-based technology that provides a non-invasive option for body contouring through stimulation and toning of underlying skeletal muscles. This study was conducted to examine the safety, efficacy, and body satisfaction scores of MMS using a CoolToneTM prototype for the aesthetic improvement of abdominal and buttock contour. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective, non-comparative, non-randomized, 12-week, multicenter study. Male and female participants aged 22-65 years received 4 MMS treatment sessions to the abdomen and/or buttocks. Body Satisfaction Questionnaire (BSQ) scores for abdomen and/or buttocks were assessed at baseline, immediately post final treatment, at 4 weeks (primary endpoint), and 12 weeks post final treatment. Subject-rated Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (SGAIS) was assessed at 4 weeks post final treatment (secondary endpoint), and 12 weeks post final treatment. Additional efficacy assessment included abdominal circumference obtained by 3D imaging at baseline, immediately post final treatment, and at 4 and 12 weeks post final treatment. A Subject Experience Questionnaire (SEQ) was used to assess treatment satisfaction and perspectives at 4 weeks and 12 weeks post final treatment. Adverse events (AEs) were monitored throughout the study. RESULTS: A total of 110 participants were recruited, who were 75% female, 80% Caucasian (mostly non-Hispanic), average age of 39.5 years (range 22-59) with an average body mass index (BMI) of 23.3 kg/m2 (range 18-29.9). At the 4-week post final treatment visit, the average BSQ score for participants receiving abdominal treatment (n = 93) was significantly improved with a 5.1 average increase in total score from baseline (possible score range 10-50) and by a 5.5 average increase from baseline for participants receiving buttocks treatment (n = 32) (p < 0.05). At 4 weeks post final treatment, the proportion of participants with SGAIS scores >"Improved" was 68.1% for participants receiving treatment of the abdomen (n = 94), and 81.8% for those receiving buttocks treatment (n = 33). The mean total decrease from baseline in waist circumference was significant at all time points. At the 12-week post final treatment visit, SEQ data revealed that a majority of participants were "Satisfied" or "Very Satisfied" with overall treatment results and "Agreed" or "Strongly Agreed" that they were motivated to maintain results either by working out or by additional treatment. A total of 6 AEs related to the device and/or treatment were reported, which resolved spontaneously during the study. CONCLUSION: Treatment of the abdomen and/or buttocks with MMS was well-tolerated and demonstrated significant improvement in aesthetic appearance through the 12-week post final treatment study duration. As a stand-alone treatment, MMS expands the range of options for individualized treatment planning for patients seeking abdominal and/or gluteal muscle toning. © 2020 The Authors. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.