In Korea, which has entered a super-aged society, sarcopenia no longer remains merely a matter of personal health care. Muscle loss leads to increased risk of falls, entry into long-term care, and expansion of medical and welfare expense, but public-level alternatives to prevent it are still lacking. Pulseon, a startup that has extended EMS (electrical muscle stimulation) technology into the public sector, is a case that has moved into this gap.
Pulseon Chief Executive Kim Young-gi said, "As we age, muscles naturally decrease, but there are not many realistic solutions to compensate for this," and "We saw sarcopenia as a social task that must be solved in an aging society."
Pulseon provides WB-EMS (whole-body electrical muscle stimulation) training. While wearing a full-body suit, electrical stimulation induces muscle contractions, which the company says can strengthen muscles without heavy weights. Kim said, "It is suitable for older adults because it can directly stimulate muscles while reducing joint strain."
Kim, who majored in sports for all, felt limits in the domestic EMS industry centered on beauty and fitness and founded Pulseon last year. Kim said, "The spread of low-cost devices has also lowered trust in EMS overall," and "Pulseon aims to redefine EMS as a 'public muscle health service.'"
Until now, preventing muscle loss has stopped at the recommendation to "exercise." Kim noted, "Weight training puts a heavy burden on the joints, and low-load exercises like walking or swimming have limited effects on strengthening muscles," adding, "We need exercise alternatives suitable for older adults."
Kim explained, "With WB-EMS training, you can expect sufficient results with about 20 minutes per session, twice a week, reducing both time and physical burden."
Pulseon conducts training after a pre-exercise assessment to check muscle strength, joint range of motion, balance, and more. Kim said, "Since exercise can actually worsen a condition in some cases, a pre-check, like a health screening, is essential." The company then continuously manages indicators directly linked to fall risk, such as grip strength and balance.
This operating model was validated this year through the Dongjak District "EMS training pilot program." Starting on Sep. 1 and running for four months, Pulseon provided WB-EMS training for residents 65 and older at a seniors-only gym in Dongjak District. Among participants 80 and older, reactions included, "It feels like my back has straightened," and "My body feels noticeably lighter." The program is currently being discussed for extension next year.
Pulseon aims to expand to local governments nationwide from 2026. However, Kim said, "EMS training is structured in a way that makes it difficult to accommodate large numbers at once," adding, "Because it is an unfamiliar concept, raising awareness in the public sector also remains a task."
However, Kim emphasized, "EMS is a technology that has long been used in the field of physical therapy," and said, "If expert guidance and standardized operations are assumed, safety issues are not significant." Kim added, "What's more important than the size of revenue is for this model to spread around public institutions," and said, "Through EMS, we want to establish ourselves as a public platform corporations that protects the muscle health of older adults and vulnerable groups."
Meanwhile, Pulseon is a resident company affiliated with the Soongsil University Campus Town and is supported by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Soongsil University Campus Town. The Soongsil University Campus Town Promotion Group selects promising startups as resident companies and operates various startup and incubation programs, including providing startup space, practical training, business advancement support, and expert advice by field.