A method of electrostimulation of the muscles of a subject is provided, the method comprising applying to the subject a plurality electrical pulses to induce contraction of at least one muscle of the subject, each pulse having a pulse width of at least 0.5 milliseconds. An apparatus for the electrostimulation of the muscles of a subject is also provided, the apparatus comprising a generator for generating a plurality of electrical pulses; means for applying the electrical pulses to the subject to induce contraction of at least one muscle of the subject; wherein the generator is operable to produce a plurality of electrical pulses each having a pulse width of at least 0.5 milliseconds.