Whole-Body Electromyostimulation to Fight Osteopenia in Elderly Females: The Randomized Controlled Training and Electrostimulation Trial (TEST-III)

The TEST-III study evaluated the effectiveness of whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) in 76 women over 70 with osteopenia. Participants were randomly allocated either to a group completing WB-EMS or to a control group performing the same exercises without electrostimulation. The programme lasted 54 weeks and its main objective was to determine the effect of WB-EMS on bone mineral density of the lumbar spine and hip. Muscle mass and handgrip strength were also monitored. At the end of the study, the WB-EMS group showed a trend towards maintaining lumbar spine bone mineral density, whereas the control group showed a decrease. The difference between the groups was just below the threshold of statistical significance. At the same time, there was a significant increase in lean body mass and handgrip strength. The authors conclude that WB-EMS can be a suitable alternative for people who are unable or unwilling to complete intensive strength training, particularly as part of preventing the loss of muscle mass and supporting musculoskeletal health.

- The randomised controlled trial included 76 women aged 70 and over with osteopenia. - The intervention ran for 54 weeks with a frequency of three WB-EMS sessions per 14 days. - The WB-EMS group showed a trend towards preserving lumbar spine bone mineral density compared with a decrease in the control group (P = 0.051). - Hip bone mineral density did not differ significantly between the groups. - Lean body mass increased significantly in the WB-EMS group. - Handgrip strength increased by approximately 8.4% compared with the control group. - No serious training-related adverse effects were recorded.

The study shows that WB-EMS can contribute to maintaining lumbar spine bone mineral density and at the same time improve muscle mass and muscle strength in older women with osteopenia. Although the effect on bone tissue was not as pronounced as on muscle mass, WB-EMS represents a suitable option for older people who cannot or do not wish to complete conventional intensive strength training. The results support the use of WB-EMS as part of comprehensive programmes focused on healthy ageing, the prevention of sarcopenia and the preservation of functional independence.