Position statement and updated international guideline for safe and effective whole-body electromyostimulation training-the need for common sense in WB-EMS application

Whole-Body Electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) is a training technology that enables simultaneous stimulation of all the main muscle groups with a specific impulse intensity for each electrode. The corresponding time-efficiency and joint-friendliness of WB-EMS may be particularly attractive for people unable or unmotivated to conduct (intense) conventional training protocols. However, due to the enormous metabolic and musculoskeletal impact of WB-EMS, particular attention must be paid to the application of this technology. In the past, several scientific and newspaper articles reported severe adverse effects of WB-EMS. To increase the safety of commercial non-medical WB-EMS application, recommendations “for safe and effective whole-body electromyostimulation” were launched in 2016. However, new developments and trends require an update of these recommendations to incorporate more international expertise with demonstrated experience in the application of WB-EMS. The new version of these consensus-based recommendations has been structured into 1) “general aspects of WB-EMS”, 2) “preparation for training”, recommendations for the 3) “WB-EMS application” itself and 4) “safety aspects during and after training”. Key topics particularly addressed are 1) consistent and close supervision of WB-EMS application, 2) mandatory qualification of WB-EMS trainers, 3) anamnesis and corresponding consideration of contraindications prior to WB-EMS, 4) the participant’s proper preparation for the session, 5) careful preparation of the WB-EMS novice, 6) appropriate regeneration periods between WB-EMS sessions and 7) continuous interaction between trainer and participant at a close physical distance. In summary, we are convinced that the present guideline will contribute to greater safety and effectiveness in the area of non-medical commercial WB-EMS application

Dalla competizione all’integrazione nel Medio Oriente-Nord Africa. L’impatto degli Accordi di Abramo sugli equilibri regionali

In che modo sta mutando l’equilibrio regionale in Medio Oriente-Nord Africa? Quale impatto la firma degli Accordi di Abramo sta avendo sulla regione? Prendendo le mosse dalla firma degli accordi di normalizzazione tra Israele e quattro Paesi arabi – Bahrain, Emirati Arabi Uniti, Marocco, Sudan – avvenuta nel 2020, il volume riflette sul mutamento dell’equilibrio regionale innescato dal processo di integrazione tra Israele e alcuni Paesi del mondo arabo. A tale proposito, esamina da una prospettiva teorica la strategia negoziale dietro gli Accordi di Abramo per poi analizzare tre dimensioni chiave entro cui può essere suddivisa la nascente cooperazione tra gli attori coinvolti: piano regionale, geo-economico e socio-culturale. Energia, transizione ecologica, turismo e dialogo interreligioso sono solo alcuni dei settori di cooperazione che l’opera si prefigge di indagare, per comprendere se, almeno parzialmente, in Medio Oriente-Nord Africa la logica della competizione stia lasciando il passo a quella dell’integrazione. Infine, il volume prende in esame gli effetti indiretti degli Accordi di Abramo su alcuni attori regionali ed extra-regionali non firmatari degli stessi