Is It Safe To Electric Current To Abdominal Muscles?

Posted on Fri, 20 Jul 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 20 Jul 2018 Answered on

Thu, 24 Nov 2022 Last reviewed on

Question : i recently saw a procedure on tv where they strap a devise around your abdomen and it is suppose to be equivalent to doing 22,000 crunches in just one treatment. Cost was approximately $1,000
I cannot find any information about this procedure to google and find a doctor near me.
do you have any idea what i am making reference to?

Answered by Dr. Anders Mark Christensen (33 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, and I do not advice using it.

Detailed Answer:
Hi Cvitanovich,

I believe I know what you mean; a device that delivers some kind of electric current to "shock" your abdominal muscles?

In general, I am extremely pessimistic when it comes to the television advertisement. Moreover, I know of no scientific study that has found such a treatment effective as a workout. That being said, it may work, but I seriously doubt it.

Hope this helps. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee