Search Results (35)

Background: Whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) is a training technology that enables the stimulation of all the main muscle groups with dedicated intensity, attracting many sportspeople and athletes of various disciplines. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the effect of WB-EMS on maximum jump, sprint, and agility performance in exercising cohorts. Methods: Systematic literature research of five electronic databases up to March 2025, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) scheme and including interventional trials with at least one WB-EMS and one active or inactive control group that focus on maximum jump, sprint, and agility performance in sportspeople and athletes. Applying a random-effect model that includes the inverse heterogeneity model (IVhet), effects sizes (SMD), and calculates 95% confidence intervals (95%-CIs). Subgroup analyses addressed superimposed WB-EMS application vs. underlying voluntary exercise. Results: Twelve studies with 145 participants in the WB-EMS and 148 participants in the control group were included. Most trials on jumping (10 of 12) and all trials on sprinting and agility performance applied superimposed WB-EMS protocols compared with underlying voluntary exercise. We observed no significant positive effects of WB-EMS on maximum jump (12 studies, SMD: 0.34, 95%-CI: −0.35 to 1.03), sprint (8 studies, SMD: 0.07, 95%-CI: −0.66 to 0.80), and agility performance (5 studies, SMD: −0.11, 95%-CI: −1.28 to 1.06). Heterogeneity between the trial results was considerable (I² > 80%) in all cases. Conclusions: Superimposed WB-EMS compared to the underlying predominately near-maximum to maximum intensity voluntary exercise provides only limited additional effects on jumping, sprinting, and ability performance. Full article

The study evaluates the effects of different types of popular exercises on muscle mass reduction during diet-induced body mass loss in overweight and obese women. Participants were randomly allocated to three exercises (Whole-Body Electromyostimulation (WB-EMS), Pilates, Yoga) combined with nutritional guidance and one nutritional guidance-only group (control). All exercise protocols specified a 2 × 50 min (Pilates, Yoga) or 2 × 20 min (WB-EMS) training, respectively. Weekly applied nutritional guidance focused on −500 kcal/d of energy restriction but increased protein intake. A total 221 overweight/obese women 19–65 years old and largely compliant with the exercise and nutritional guidance protocol were included. We observed significant decreases in body mass in all groups (−3.9 to 6.0 kg, all p < 0.001), with the most pronounced reduction in the nutritional guidance-only group. Apart from WB-EMS (−166 ± 799 g, p = 0.14), all the other groups significantly lost muscle mass (Pilates −343 ± 774 g, p = 0.003; Yoga: −507 ± 801 g, p < 0.001), however, compared to control (−1113 ± 881 g, p < 0.001), all the groups showed significantly more favorable results. WB-EMS, Pilates, and Yoga were associated with a reduced loss of muscle mass during diet-induced weight loss, indicating their potential role as adjunctive interventions in overweight and obese individuals. Full article

The present study aimed to determine the acute effects of high-intensity dynamic resistance training (HI-DRT) and whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) on markers of bone formation and resorption in young healthy women. Using a crossover design, 17 students of dentistry (26.5 ± 4.0 years, 21.5 ± 2.5 kg/m²) were randomly assigned to begin either with HI-DRT (five exercises, three sets to repetition maximum) or 20 min of non-superimposed, low-frequency (85 Hz), intermitted (6 s impulse/4 s impulse break) WB-EMS. The study outcome parameters were total Procollagen Type-1 N-Terminal Propeptide (P1NP) and Type-I Collagen Cross-Linked C-Telopeptide (CTX), which were sampled immediately prior to and 15 min post intervention. ANCOVA was applied to determine the main effects, i.e., differences in pre–post changes in CTX and P1NP between the interventions. No participant was lost to follow-up or reported adverse effects related to the exercises. Briefly, we observed significant differences (p = 0.019, d′ = 1.19) for changes in P1NP that were maintained in the HI-DRT (p = 0.446) and decreased in the WB-EMS group (p = 0.002). In contrast, we did not observe differences for HI-DRT- vs. WB-EMS-induced CTX changes (p = 0.509; d′ = 0.134). In summary, while HI-DRT provides significantly more favorable effects on bone formation markers compared to WB-EMS, the clinical significance of this finding in predicting the general effectiveness of an exercise protocol on bone strength remains to be determined. (Clinical trials.gov; registration date: 2025-02-06; ID: NCT06813092.) Full article

Whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) is a time-efficient, joint-friendly, and highly customizable training technology that particularly attracts sportspeople and athletes looking to enhance performance, accelerate regeneration, and prevent injuries with WB-EMS. Based on a systematic review of the literature, the present evidence map aimed to provide an overview of outcomes addressed by WB-EMS in exercising cohorts of different levels. In summary, the search identified 34 research projects with 39 studies and 43 publications that addressed 79 outcome categories (e.g., isometric strength) with more than 300 single outcomes (e.g., isometric strength of leg extensors). Thirty-one studies focused on performance-related outcomes, four studies addressed regeneration-related outcomes, and eight studies reported outcomes related to anthropometry. A further 14 studies reported health- and safety-related outcomes. Twenty-five of the 31 studies that reported performance parameters addressed strength, ten power, 18 jumping, ten sprinting, six agility, six endurance, five anaerobic power, and one each flexibility or balance, and five studies reported sport-specific performance outcomes (e.g., shot velocity). Apart from outcomes concerning injury prevention or sport-specific complaints, there are in particular evidence gaps relating to the acute effects of WB-EMS on regeneration, particularly with respect to muscle recovery. Semiprofessionals/professionals were rarely addressed, and if so, primarily cohorts from team sports were evaluated, while no study focused on elite strength, endurance, or precision sports athletes. Full article

Background: Irisin, a myokine secreted during physical activity, has garnered attention for its potential roles in cartilage homeostasis and musculoskeletal health. Whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) is an emerging exercise modality that enhances muscle recruitment and may stimulate greater irisin release. This study aimed to compare the acute serum irisin response following aerobic exercise with and without WB-EMS in healthy individuals. Methods: A total of 24 healthy adults were enrolled and randomized to undergo either aerobic physical activity (PA) or WB-EMS (n = 12 each). Both groups performed identical exercise routines, with the WB-EMS group additionally receiving muscle stimulation via a standardized protocol. Serum irisin levels were measured at baseline (T0), 10 minutes post-exercise (T1), and 1 hour post-exercise (T2) using ELISA. Statistical analysis was performed using two-way ANOVA with post hoc testing. Results: At T1, serum irisin levels did not significantly differ from baseline in either group. At T2, the WB-EMS group demonstrated a statistically significant increase in irisin levels compared to both T0 and T1 (p < 0.01), as well as to the PA group (p < 0.01). In contrast, the PA group showed only a slight, non-significant rise at T2. These findings suggest that WB-EMS induces a more robust irisin response than traditional aerobic exercise. Conclusions: WB-EMS appears to enhance irisin release in healthy individuals following acute exercise. These results support further research into WB-EMS as a novel strategy to modulate myokine production with potential therapeutic relevance in musculoskeletal conditions such as osteoarthritis. Full article

Background: Whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) combines full-body electrical muscle stimulation with instructor-assigned exercise. Electrical impulses are transmitted to the peripheral muscles through electrodes applied to the body. This study compared two training methodologies, WB-EMS training and traditional resistance training, to determine which approach leads to greater strength improvement in terms of 1-repetition maximum (1-RM). Methods: Twenty sedentary women participated in a 10 weeks protocol with five evaluations conducted every two weeks. The WB-EMS group trained for 20 min per week, and the resistance training group (RT) performed an average of two training sessions per week, lasting 60 min each. Both groups were evaluated using three exercises: back squat and hammer curl (1-RM), and plank exercise (time to exhaustion). Results: Both groups increased their performance in squat (WB-EMS +36%, p = 0.0001; RT +34%, p = 0.0001), curl (WB-EMS +42%, p = 0.0001; RT +33%, p = 0.0001), and plank (WB-EMS +103%, p = 0.0001; RT +65%, p = 0.0001). No significant time × training interaction was found for any exercise, indicating that the two groups improved similarly. Conclusions: Although WB-EMS did not confer greater strength improvement than traditional resistance training, it offers a time-efficient alternative, achieving similar results with reduced time commitment. Full article

Background/Objectives: Evidence supports the benefits of concurrent training (CT), which combines endurance and resistance exercises, for enhancing health and physical fitness. Recently, low-volume, time-efficient exercise approaches such as low-volume high-intensity interval training (LOW-HIIT), whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS), and single-set resistance training (1-RT) have gained popularity for their feasibility and efficacy in improving various health outcomes. This study investigated the effects of low-volume CT, focusing on (1) whether exercise order affects cardiometabolic health, inflammation, and fitness adaptations and (2) which combination, LOW-HIIT plus WB-EMS or LOW-HIIT plus 1-RT, yields better results. Methods: Ninety-three obese metabolic syndrome (MetS) patients undergoing caloric restriction were randomly assigned to four groups performing the different low-volume CT protocols over 12 weeks. Outcomes included cardiometabolic, inflammatory, and fitness parameters. Results: In both combinations, no significant differences were found regarding exercise order. However, the pooled LOW-HIIT and 1-RT group achieved superior improvements in blood pressure, blood lipids, inflammation markers (CRP, hsCRP), the MetS severity score, and overall fitness compared to the LOW-HIIT and WB-EMS combination. Compared to previous studies using these modalities individually, LOW-HIIT plus 1-RT appeared to further reduce inflammation, whereas LOW-HIIT combined with WB-EMS was less effective for cardiometabolic health, potentially due to interference effects between modalities. Conclusions: While LOW-HIIT plus WB-EMS appears to be a viable option for individuals unable to perform traditional resistance training, the findings suggest prioritizing LOW-HIIT plus 1-RT to maximize health outcomes. These findings highlight the importance of tailored exercise prescriptions and the need for further research into optimizing CT protocols for diverse populations. Full article

Objective: The aim of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) was to assess the impact of a 12-week intervention of two 20-min sessions per week, combining aerobic exercise with whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS), on physical and cognitive performance in the elderly. Methods: A total of 61 participants (age = 71 ± 5.64 years), healthy or at risk for dementia, were randomly assigned to an experimental training group (ETG, n = 33) and a control group (CON, n = 28). Participants underwent 20-min aerobic training sessions, with intensity increasing from 60% to 80% of heart rate reserve (HRR), with and without continuous WB-EMS stimulation (35 Hz, 350 μs). Results: Significant time/effects for both the ETG and CON were found in the physical performance tests, with significant time*group interactions favoring the ETG for the arm curl test (p < 0.001) and the sit-to-stand test, with significant differences between groups (p = 0.001), as well as for the hand grip test (p < 0.001) and the 6-min walking test (p < 0.001), with significant time*group interactions (p = 0.003). Both groups improved their performance on the soda pop test (p < 0.001). ETG outperformed CON in memory performance (PROSA, p = 0.046; RAVLT immediate recall, p < 0.001) and on selective attention and visuospatial processing (attention matrices, p = 0.014). Some cognitive tests showed no significant improvement, likely due to the short intervention period for cognitive function (MMSE, p = 0.628; TMT, p = 0.698; Stroop error, p = 0.188) or memory performance (PROSA, p = 0.338). Conclusion: The absence of decline suggests a protective effect of physical activity. WB-EMS, combined with aerobic training, enhances the benefits of physical activity and helps counteract cognitive decline in older adults. Full article

The beneficial impact of physical training in lowering cancer risk is well known. However, the precise mechanisms linking physical training and cancer are not fully understood. Skeletal muscle releases various myokines that seem to possess a direct anti-tumor effect. Although breast cancer (BC) is the prevalent form of cancer among women on a global scale, only limited data are available about the secretion of myokines following exercise in patients with BC. To study the effects of exercise on BC, the blood samples of patients with varied stages of BC were analyzed after 12 weeks of resistance training with whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS). Following the training period, we observed that resistance training helps these patients to improve their physical characteristics and performance function by increasing skeletal muscle mass and strengthening their hand grip. Notably, the patient’s serum was found to inhibit the growth and promote the apoptosis of BC cells in vitro. Moreover, the conditioned medium collected from in vitro stimulated human myotubes using electric pulse stimulation (EPS), an in vitro simulation of WB-EMS training, induced the cell death of BC cells. These results highlighted the direct cancer-protective effects of activated skeletal muscle. In line with our observed effects of serum from exercise-trained pancreatic and prostate cancer patients, the growth of BC cells was notably inhibited when supplemented directly with recombinant myokines C-X-C motif ligand 1 (CXCL1), Interleukin 10 (IL10), and C-C motif chemokine ligand 4 (CCL4). Notably, treatment with these myokines also increased the expression of caspase 3/7 (Casp3/7), resulting in enhanced BC cell death. Our data strongly suggest that physical exercise has a positive impact on skeletal muscle mass and hand grip strength in BC patients, along with a significant anti-tumor effect in BC cells. This shows promising potential for considering sports and physical training as supportive therapies for achieving more impactful cancer treatment. Full article

In the present work, we aimed to determine the effect of whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) on metabolic syndrome (MetS) as a cluster of cardiometabolic risk factors in people at moderate-to-high cardiometabolic risk. The present meta-analysis is based on a systematic literature search of a recent evidence map, which searched five electronic databases, two registers, and Google Scholar, according to PRISMA, until 31 March 2023. Controlled trials comprising adult cohorts with central obesity that compared the effect of WB-EMS versus controls using a continuous score representing MetS were included. We applied a random-effects meta-analysis and used the inverse heterogeneity model to analyze the data of the five eligible trials identified by our search. Outcome measures were standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (95%-CIs). The risk of bias was determined using the PEDro-Score. In summary, we identified five eligible articles containing 117 participants in the WB-EMS group and 117 participants in the control group. We observed a small effect (SMD: −0.30; 95%-CI: −0.04 to −0.56) in favor of the WB-EMS intervention. The heterogeneity between the trials was very low (I²: 0%); further evidence for risks of small study/publication bias was minimal. The methodologic quality of these studies can be classified as moderate to high. In summary, the present work provides evidence of the favorable effect of WB-EMS on cardiometabolic risk in adults at moderate–high cardiometabolic risk. Considering the time effectiveness of WB-EMS, along with its safety and attractiveness, as indicated by the five studies, WB-EMS can be regarded as a feasible training option for people at cardiometabolic risk. Full article

Patients with aggressive cancer, e.g., gastrointestinal cancer, are prone (≥50% chance) to developing cancer cachexia (CC). Little is known about the effects of CC on the biomechanical function of muscle. A promising prevention strategy was found in the form of a multi-modal therapy combining mild resistance exercise (e.g., whole-body electro-myostimulation, WB-EMS) and a protein-rich diet. In a previous study of ours, this was effective in counteracting the loss of muscle mass, yet a systematic and comprehensive assessment of active and passive single muscle fibre functions was so far absent. This pilot study investigated the biomechanical function of single muscle fibres (rectus abdominis) from the biopsies of conventionally treated (pre-)cachectic cancer ((pre-)CC) patients (m = 9), those receiving the multi-modal therapy comprising WB-EMS training and protein-rich nutrition (m = 3), and a control group (m = 5). Our findings not only align with previous findings showing the absolute force loss in CC that is accelerated by atrophy but also speak in favour of a different, potentially energy- and Ca²⁺-homeostasis-related effect that compromises muscle contraction (F ~0.9 mN vs. F ~0.6 mN in control patients). However, myofibrillar Ca²⁺ sensitivity and the quality of contraction were unaltered (pCa50: 5.6–5.8). Single fibres from the (pre-)CC patients receiving WB-EMS training and protein supplementation were significantly more compliant (p < 0.001 at ≥130% of resting length L₀). Those fibres displayed a similar softness to the ones from the control patients (axial compliance ~15 m/N at ≥130% L₀), while single fibres from the patients with (developing) cachexia were significantly stiffer (axial compliance ~7 m/N, p < 0.001 at ≥130% L₀). Adjuvant multi-modal therapy (WB-EMS training and nutritional support) contributes to maintaining the axial compliance of single fibres and potentially improves the quality of life for patients at risk of developing CC. Full article

Whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) can be considered as a time-efficient, joint-friendly, and highly customizable training technology that attracts a wide range of users. The present evidence map aims to provide an overview of different non-athletic cohorts addressed in WB-EMS research. Based on a comprehensive systematic search according to PRISMA, eighty-six eligible longitudinal trials were identified that correspond with our eligibility criteria. In summary, WB-EMS research sufficiently covers all adult age categories in males and females. Most cohorts addressed (58%) were predominately or exclusively overweight/obese, and in about 60% of them, diseases or conditions were inclusion criteria for the trials. Cohorts specifically enrolled in WB-EMS trials suffer from cancer/neoplasm (n = 7), obesity (n = 6), diabetes mellitus (n = 5), metabolic syndrome (n = 2), nervous system diseases (n = 2), chronic heart failure (n = 4), stroke (n = 1), peripheral arterial diseases (n = 2), knee arthrosis (n = 1), sarcopenia (n = 3), chronic unspecific low back pain (n = 4), and osteopenia (n = 3). Chronic kidney disease was an eligibility criterion in five WB-EMS trials. Finally, three studies included only critically ill patients, and two further studies considered frailty as an inclusion criterion. Of importance, no adverse effects of the WB-EMS intervention were reported. In summary, the evidence gaps in WB-EMS research were particular evident for cohorts with diseases of the nervous and cerebrovascular system. Full article

Background and Objectives: Whole-body electromyostimulation is under investigation as a potential aid for obesity-related health problems, supplementing a comprehensive, evidence-based obesity management strategy that includes lifestyle, diet, and exercise. The study investigated the impact of a whole-body electromyostimulation training program on physical performance and cardiometabolic markers in young obese females. Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight obese females, aged over 18 years with BMI over 30 and body fat over 28% and no underlying health conditions or medication, were divided into a whole-body electromyostimulation group (15 participants) and a control group (13 participants). The whole-body electromyostimulation program lasted 12 weeks, with two 20 min sessions weekly, using bipolar, rectangular current. Assessments pre and post intervention included body composition, blood pressure, lipid profile, C-reactive protein levels, maximal oxygen consumption, and jumping and sprint performance. Two-way ANOVA and t-tests were used for analysis. Results: Statistical analysis revealed significant (group × time) interactions for body composition, systolic blood pressure, maximal oxygen consumption, jumping and sprint performance, and plasma levels of lipids and C-reactive protein. Post hoc analyses for the whole-body electromyostimulation group indicated improvements in body composition indices (p < 0.01), systolic blood pressure (p = 0.003), maximal oxygen consumption (p = 0.010), and both jumping and 30 m sprint performance (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively) after the intervention. Furthermore, plasma levels of lipids (p < 0.01) and C-reactive protein (p = 0.002) showed significant improvements following the training program. In contrast, no significant changes were observed for these variables in the control group. Conclusions: A 12-week whole-body electromyostimulation program significantly improved body composition (skeletal muscle mass, body mass index, body fat, and waist circumference), physical performance (maximal oxygen consumption, jumping and sprint performance), and certain cardiometabolic (plasma level of lipids) and inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein) in obese young women. Further research is needed to explore the broader effects of whole-body electromyostimulation on physical and cardiometabolic health. Full article

Strength training elicits benefits both in performance and on a psychological level in women, such as increased muscle strength and improved self-esteem. Whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) could be a training strategy for enhancing muscular strength. The aim of this study was to assess the acute effects of a single session of WB-EMS superimposed over classic resistance training on isometric strength, endurance strength and flexibility. Furthermore, the safety of the protocol was assessed by monitoring the levels of creatine kinase (CK) 48 h after the training protocol was completed. Sixteen active women (aged 22.06 ± 1.88) were randomly assigned to an experimental group (EG) (n = 8) and a control group (CG) (n = 8). The EG performed four sets of 12 repetitions of three strength exercises with superimposed WB-EMS, while the CG performed the same protocol without WB-EMS. RM-ANOVA showed a significant time*group interaction on posterior kinetic chain extensors’ mean and peak strength in the EG (F_(1,14) = 10.036; p = 0.007; and F_(1,14) = 20.719; p < 0.001; respectively). A significant time*group interaction was found in the sit and reach test for the EG (F_(1,14) = 10.362; p = 0.006). Finally, ANOVA performed on the CK levels showed no significant difference between the groups (F_(1,14) = 0.715; p = 0.412). WB-EMS training led to an immediate improvement in strength performance and flexibility, and this protocol was shown to be safe in terms of CK levels, 48 h after completing the training protocol. Full article

Oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation are features of metabolic syndrome (MetS) that can contribute to the shortening of telomere length (TL), a marker of cellular ageing. Research indicates that exercise can positively influence MetS-associated conditions and TL. However, the effects of low-volume exercise types on TL are still unknown. We investigated the impact of very-low-volume high-intensity interval training (LV-HIIT), one-set resistance training (1-RT), and whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) on TL, inflammation, and cardiometabolic indices in 167 MetS patients. Data were derived from two randomized controlled trials where patients were allocated to an exercise group (2 sessions/week, for 12 weeks) or a control group. All groups received standard-care nutritional weight loss counselling. TL was determined as the T/S ratio (telomere to single-copy gene amount). All groups significantly reduced body weight (p < 0.05), but the T/S-ratio (p < 0.001) only increased with LV-HIIT. OS-related inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and lipopolysaccharide-binding protein) only decreased (p < 0.05) following LV-HIIT. The MetS severity z-score improved with LV-HIIT (p < 0.001) and 1-RT (p = 0.014) but not with WB-EMS. In conclusion, very-low-volume exercise modalities have differential effects on telomeres, inflammation, and cardiometabolic health. Only LV-HIIT but not strength-based low-volume exercise increased TL in MetS patients, presumably due to superior effects on OS-related inflammatory markers. Full article