What if 1 minute could replace 5 minutes? And what if nobody told you why?

A 2025 clinical trial just revealed something surprising. Only 1 minute of electrical muscle stimulation improved ankle flexibility. It worked as well as 5 full minutes of static stretching.

Yes. One minute.

Eighty-three healthy adults were tested. Both methods improved ankle range of motion. The difference between them was statistically equivalent.

The mean difference was only 0.22 degrees. That fell well inside the equivalence margin.

And here’s the twist.

There was no loss of muscle strength. None.

Why does that matter? Because longer static stretching can reduce strength temporarily. That can affect performance before sport.

So why is this not widely discussed? Why are we told stretching must take time? Why is faster activation rarely mentioned?

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation, or EMS, creates controlled muscle contractions. It activates muscle fibres quickly. It may improve tissue glide. It may support circulation. It may help flexibility in less time.

One minute of EMS plus elastic taping matched five minutes of stretching.

That changes warm-ups. That changes rehab sessions. That changes busy schedules.

Is it possible the simple solution was always there? Is it possible time efficiency was overlooked? Or is it simply not profitable to promote faster methods?

This study was published in 2025. It was conducted in Japan. It was peer-reviewed. It declared no external funding.

And this is only the beginning.

Inside the full Research Digest, you will find: • The complete study breakdown • The data table • The methodology • The DOI link • The podcast discussion • And more discoveries about EMS

Curious what else they uncovered? Curious how EMS may support mobility? Curious what the long-term implications could be?

Click the link below. Read the full breakdown. Explore the original research. Discover more science we reveal.

👉 https://bit.ly/3OePsPs

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