Effects of whole-body electromyostimulation with two different frequencies and combined training on lipid profile and body composition in overweight women

Abstract

Introduction. The study aimed to investigate the effects of whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) and combined training on lipid profile and body composition in overweight women. Methods. Overall, 45 overweight (body mass index [BMI]: 27.73 ± 1.59 kg/m2) women (aged 32.89 ± 4.59 years) voluntarily participated in this study. They were randomly assigned to 3 groups: a WB-EMS group, who received WB-EMS (2 sessions/week, 20 min/session; first session each week: 85 Hz, 350 μs, 4 s pulse, 4 s rest; second session: 7-15 Hz, 350 μs, continuous pulse); a combined training group, who underwent aerobic and bodyweight resistance training (2 sessions/week, 20 min/session); and a control group. In all 3 groups, lipid profile and body composition were assessed before and after 8 weeks of intervention. Results. In the WB-EMS group, within-group comparison revealed significant differences in triglyceride, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, body weight, BMI, waist-hip ratio, waist circumference, body fat percentage, body fat mass, and lean body mass values (p 0.05); there was no significant difference only in fasting blood sugar. In the combined training group, a significant difference was only observed in BMI (p 0.05). In the post-intervention between-group comparison, there were significant differences only in high-density lipoprotein and body fat percentage (p 0.05). Conclusions. Since WB-EMS has positive effects on lipid profile and body composition, it may be a proper method for people who have limited time for exercise or are unable or unmotivated to practise conventional exercises.