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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL QUESTIONS

What is inside the box?

  • 1 Powerdot device (or 2 if you purchased a Duo)
  • 2 sets of electrode pads
  • Lead cables (10 cm & 25 cm)
  • Carry Case
  • Micro USB charging cable (2 cables for Duo)

**Powerdot requires iPhone 5 or later (with iOS 7.0+) or supported Android phones running Android 4.4+

 

Can I buy a second “uno” and pair it with the device I already own?

Yes, you can add a second device later. You’ll just want to follow the duo instructions for syncing the two devices with the app.

 

Can I download translated user manuals?

Training

How often should I use Powerdot? For how long?

For recovery and relaxation, you would apply Powerdot for 20-35 minutes to your most fatigued muscle groups.

For performance training, you should use Powerdot several times a week per muscle group for roughly 30 minutes. The actual session timing will vary between 15 and 60+ minutes based on which workout you selected.

Can I use both dots at the same time?

Yes, the app is designed to work with two devices at once.

 

Can I use Powerdot while moving around?

 

We recommend you either to sit or lie down when using Powerdot. The app will tell you if you should be sitting or lying down based on the program and muscle group you’re training. Feel free to work on your computer, read a book or watch TV during your session. We’re big fans of multitasking!

NEVER use PowerDot while driving, operating machinery, doing physical training or any other action where involuntary muscle contraction can cause an accident or injury.

 

How come I only feel muscle contractions/twitches under big rectangular pad and not the round pads?

As long as you can see contractions under any of the pads there is no reason to worry. Your muscle will contract along its full length between the rectangular pad and each of the round pads.

There could be a few things contributing to what you’re feeling:

- Positioning of the pads. If rectangular pad is located closer to the nerve or muscle motor point, the brain can be putting more priority in delivering one muscle contraction feedback signal over another. We recommend experimenting with the position of the round pads on your muscle in order to see if you can find a position closer to the muscle belly (where motor points are usually located).   

- Muscle fatigue. If muscle fibers under your round pads are more tired than the ones under rectangular pad, a higher intensity will be required in order to notice the difference.

 

Why does one Powerdot feel stronger than the other during use?

Power outputs of all Powerdot devices are pre-calibrated at the factory with low tolerance level. However, the following factors may account for what you’re experiencing:

  • Level of battery charge. Make sure the battery charge level is similar on both devices or get a full charge on both devices.
  • Pads setup: make sure that pads setup on one side is mirroring the other side. Both setups should follow the recommended positioning in the app.
  • Some people have difference in sensation and muscle recruitment between left and right sides of the body. In case if you still feel the difference, please adjust the intensity for each device separately using the Powerdot mobile app “Device Lock” feature, available from the Stimulation Dashboard in the bottom menu. 

APP QUESTIONS

How secure is the communication between phone and Powerdot? Can someone else control my Powerdot from his phone?

Powerdot leverages Bluetooth Secure Simple Pairing mechanism, which securely encrypts communication between Powerdot and the phone using AES-128.  

In addition, a separate firmware-based secure code-based protection mechanism is used to make sure that only one Powerdot app (running from your phone) can connect, activate and use activated Powerdots.

This is why a manual hard reset or app-based re-activation is required when you switch between phones or tablets.

 

Can my Powerdot training session be interrupted by other apps running on my phone/tablet or incoming/outgoing calls?

Powerdot mobile apps and firmware are designed to work independently from other apps running on your phone, including calls, so your training session isn’t impacted.


Powerdot’s firmware is smart enough to independently complete and stop your stimulation session…even if the Bluetooth connection is lost between Powerdot and your phone/tablet.

 

Which phone models are supported by Powerdot apps?

Powerdot supports all iOS iPhone/iPod/iPad devices starting from iPhone 4S running iOS 8.0 and later.

For Android, most of the recent Bluetooth Low Energy Android phones are well supported, however, due to a wide range of Bluetooth Low Energy (also known as Bluetooth Smart, Bluetooth 4.x) hardware and low-level drivers being used by the vendors, some phones are noticed for unstable behavior when controlling 2 Powerdots simultaneously (in a Duo mode).  

To date, the following problems are known to have issues with Duo operation:

  • LG G3/G4
  • HTC Desire Eye

 

Powerdot Hardware

What are the hardware specs for Powerdot?

  • 2 stimulation channels with independent power output control
  • Asymmetrical balanced trapezoid waveform
  • Regulated voltage technology
  • Peak voltage/current of up to 125V/125 mA (under 1K Ohm)
  • 210 mA Lithium Battery (re-chargeable via any USB 5V 1-2.1A charging point)
  • Universal high voltage Micro USB connector for lead/charging cables
  • Dimensions: L: 60 MM/2.4", W: 43 MM/1.7", H: 13 MM/0.5"
  • Weight: 25 g/0.9 oz
  • IP22 Rating
  • CE 0197 (TUV Rheinland)/FDA 510K clearance (K150078)

How powerful is Powerdot in comparison to the other EMS/NMES devices on the market?

Powerdot can generate power outputs up to 135V/13.5 mA under 10K Ohm resistance (small load) and up to 65V/130 mA under 500 Ohm resistance (heavy load) while using pulses as wide as 430 microseconds at stimulation frequencies of up to 120 Hz. This is within 10% range of other EMS/NMES devices on the market.

According to our usage stats, 95%+ of users never use more than 60% of Powerdot maximum intensity with the majority staying in 25-50% range.  

 

How long will the Powerdot electrode pads last?

On average, one set of Powerdot electrode pads is good enough to last for 20-25 stimulation sessions. To extend lifetime of pads, we recommend you regularly clean the sticky side with antiseptic alcohol tissues to remove hair and oil. Attach the pads to the safety film prior to storing them.

 

When should I replace the pads?

Replace your pads when they no longer stick to your skin or when the sticky side is covered with lint.

How many stimulation sessions can a Powerdot provide on a single battery charge?

Powerdot is using Li-Ion battery, which is, when fully charged, is good enough for at least 6 hours of continuous stimulation.

One charge can easily cover a daily stimulation plan for the most demanding athlete (3 muscle groups at 75%+ intensities for the most energy consuming stimulation sessions).

In general, an average active user should expect to re-charge Powerdot once a week or even once in 10 days. 

How long does it take to charge PowerDot?

Charging battery to full should not take more than 90 minutes. You can charge Powerdot from any micro-USB connection or standard USB-compatible AC charger. Powerdot comes with micro-USB-2-USB conversion cable.

 

EMS/NMES QUESTIONS

Is EMS painful?

Depending on the stimulation programs you choose, you’re likely to feel a tingling or tickling sensation caused by the stimulation current. These sensations don’t cause discomfort or pain.

Powerdot allows you to adjust the intensity of contractions so you are always comfortable.

 

Is EMS dangerous for my muscles or joints?

Powerdot muscle stimulation sessions are designed in a way that makes the muscle less likely to suffer from a tear than in regular training exercises. Muscle tears in sports often happen when muscle experiences a great amount of pressure almost instantly. Powerdot generates muscle contractions with that increase in intensity over extended periods of time. This gradual build up reduces the risk of muscle tears even under maximum intensity.

Strengthening muscles through stim is a great way to protect your joints since no impact is placed on the joints during a session. EMS is a great option for building strength in athletes with weak or injured ankles, knees, or shoulders.

 

What kind of improvements and results I can expect from EMS?

Several clinical studies have been conducted to determine the performance improvements gained from training with muscle stimulation. The results show users are able to achieve greater performance when they incorporate EMS into their training. We’ve included a list of these studies and a summary of the results below.

The recovery and massage programs provide immediate relief. A user can expect to see performance improvements (increased strength or endurance) after 4 weeks of regular use (3 times a week per muscle group).

Study/Link

Study Year

Study Group

Duration

Muscle Group(s)

EMS frequency, duty cycle, duration

Results

Maffiuletti et al

 2000

Basketball Players

4 weeks

Quads

100 Hz, 3/17 sec, 48 contractions

·       14% squat jump increase

·       17% counter movement jump increase

Maffiuletti et al

 2002

Volleyball Players

6 weeks

Quads, Calves

105-120 Hz, 3/17 sec, 48 contractions

·       Maximum voluntary contraction increase by 20%/13% for Quads/Calves

·       up to 10% spike-counter movement jump increase

·       21% squat jump increase 

Malatesta et al

2003

Volleyball Players

4 weeks

Quads, Calves

105-120 Hz, 4/29-34 sec, 20-22 contractions

·       6.5% squat jump increase

·       5.4% counter movement jump increase

Brocherie et al

2005

Ice Hockey Players

3 weeks

Quads

85 Hz, 4/20 sec, 30 contractions

 

 

·       up to 37.1% eccentric torque increase

·       up to 49.2% concentric torque increase

·       8.4% squat jump decrease

·       6.1% counter movement jump decrease

·       14.3% 15J power increase

·       4.8% 10 m skating time improvement

 

Babault et al

2007

Elite Rugby Players

12 weeks

Quads, Calves, Glutes

100 Hz, 5/15 sec, 36 contractions

 

·       15% squat strength increase

·       10% squat jump increase

·       6.1% 40 cm drop jump increase

 

Maffiuletti et al

2009

Tennis Players

3 weeks

Quads

85 Hz, 5/25 sec, 30 contractions

·       6.4% counter movement jump increase

·       3.3 cm CMJ-squat jump increase

·       3.3% 2x10 m sprint time improvement

Billot et al

2010

Soccer Players

5 weeks

Quads

100 Hz, 3/17 sec, 36 contractions

 

·       22.1% eccentric torque increase

·       27.1% isometric torque increase

·       up to 23.2% concentric torque increase

·       9.6% ball speed without run-up increase

·       5.6% ball speed with run-up increase

·       6.7% jump increase

 

Deley et al

2011

Gymnasts (Prepurbertal Girls)

6 weeks

Quads

75 Hz, 4/20 sec, 30 contractions

·       up to 50.6% maximum voluntary torque increase

·       20.9% squat jump increase

·       20.4% reactivity test improvement

·       10.1% counter movement jump increase

Where can I read more about application of Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) in sports?

There is a multitude of peer reviewed articles and clinical studies (accessible from PubMed) that prove effectiveness of EMS (or, oftentimes, EMS is also known as NMES) for sports training and recovery.

Here are the links to some of the most recent and interesting ones:

Performance Training: 

The Application of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Training in Various Non-neurologic Patient Populations: A Narrative Review.

Herzig D, Maffiuletti NA, Eser P.

PM R. 2015 Nov;7(11):1167-78. doi: 10.1016/j.pmrj.2015.03.022. Review.

 

Effect of combined electrostimulation and plyometric training on 30 meters dash and triple jump.

Benito-Martínez E, Martínez-Amat A, Lara-Sánchez AJ, Berdejo-Del-Fresno D, Martínez-López EJ.

J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2013 Aug;53(4):387-95.

 

Effects of electrostimulation and plyometric training program combination on jump height in teenage athletes.

Martínez-López EJ, Benito-Martínez E, Hita-Contreras F, Lara-Sánchez A, Martínez-Amat A.

J Sports Sci Med. 2012 Dec 1;11(4):727-35.

 

Neural adaptations to electrical stimulation strength training.

Hortobágyi T, Maffiuletti NA.

Eur J Appl Physiol. 2011 Oct;111(10):2439-49. doi: 10.1007/s00421-011-2012-2. Review.

 

Is high-frequency neuromuscular electrical stimulation a suitable tool for muscle performance improvement in both healthy humans and athletes?

Gondin J, Cozzone PJ, Bendahan D.

Eur J Appl Physiol. 2011 Oct;111(10):2473-87. doi: 10.1007/s00421-011-2101-2. Review.

 

Effects of an electrostimulation training program on strength, jumping, and kicking capacities in soccer players.

Billot M, Martin A, Paizis C, Cometti C, Babault N.

J Strength Cond Res. 2010 May;24(5):1407-13. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181d43790.

 

Feasibility and efficacy of progressive electrostimulation strength training for competitive tennis players.

Maffiuletti NA, Bramanti J, Jubeau M, Bizzini M, Deley G, Cometti G.

J Strength Cond Res. 2009 Mar;23(2):677-82. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0b013e318196b784.

 

Effects of two types of neuromuscular electrical stimulation training on vertical jump performance.

Paillard T, Noe F, Bernard N, Dupui P, Hazard C.

J Strength Cond Res. 2008 Jul;22(4):1273-8. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181739e9c.

 

The use of electrostimulation exercise in competitive sport.

Maffiuletti NA.

Int J Sports Physiol Perform. 2006 Dec;1(4):406-7.

 

Neuromuscular adaptations to electrostimulation resistance training.

Maffiuletti NA, Zory R, Miotti D, Pellegrino MA, Jubeau M, Bottinelli R.

Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2006 Feb;85(2):167-75.

 

Post-Training Recovery:

 

The effects of compression garments and electrostimulation on athletes' muscle soreness and recovery.

Erten YT, Sahinkaya T, Dinc E, Kilinc BE, Bayraktar B, Kurtoglu M.

J Exerc Rehabil. 2016 Aug 31;12(4):308-13. doi: 10.12965/jer.1632632.316.

 

Comparison of the effects of electrical stimulation and cold-water immersion on muscle soreness after resistance exercise.

Jajtner AR, Hoffman JR, Gonzalez AM, Worts PR, Fragala MS, Stout JR.

J Sport Rehabil. 2015 May;24(2):99-108. doi: 10.1123/jsr.2013-0113.

 

Electrostimulation's enhancement of recovery during a rugby preseason.

Beaven CM, Cook C, Gray D, Downes P, Murphy I, Drawer S, Ingram JR, Kilduff LP, Gill N.

Int J Sports Physiol Perform. 2013 Jan;8(1):92-8.

 

Effects of electrostimulation therapy on recovery from acute team-sport activity.

Finberg M, Braham R, Goodman C, Gregory P, Peeling P.

Int J Sports Physiol Perform. 2013 May;8(3):293-9.

 

Effect of combined electrostimulation and plyometric training on 30 meters dash and triple jump.

Benito-Martínez E, Martínez-Amat A, Lara-Sánchez AJ, Berdejo-Del-Fresno D, Martínez-López EJ.

J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2013 Aug;53(4):387-95.

 

Effects of post-exercise recovery interventions on physiological, psychological, and performance parameters.

Cortis C, Tessitore A, D'Artibale E, Meeusen R, Capranica L.

Int J Sports Med. 2010 May;31(5):327-35. doi: 10.1055/s-0030-1248242.

 

Effectiveness of active versus passive recovery strategies after futsal games.

Tessitore A, Meeusen R, Pagano R, Benvenuti C, Tiberi M, Capranica L.

J Strength Cond Res. 2008 Sep;22(5):1402-12. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0b013e31817396ac.

 

Effects of different recovery interventions on anaerobic performances following preseason soccer training.

Tessitore A, Meeusen R, Cortis C, Capranica L.

J Strength Cond Res. 2007 Aug;21(3):745-50.

 

Effect of electrostimulation training-detraining on neuromuscular fatigue mechanisms.

Jubeau M, Zory R, Gondin J, Martin A, Maffiuletti NA.

Neurosci Lett. 2007 Aug 31;424(1):41-6.