Whole-body electromyostimulation as a means to impact muscle mass and abdominal body fat in lean, sedentary, older female adults: subanalysis of the TEST-III trial

The study presents a subanalysis of the TEST-III project focused on the effects of whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) in lean, physically inactive women over 70 at increased risk of sarcopenia and central obesity. A total of 46 women were included in the analysis and randomly allocated either to a group completing WB-EMS or to an active control group performing the same exercises without electrostimulation. The intervention lasted 12 months. The main outcome measures were changes in limb muscle mass, abdominal fat and lower limb strength. After one year of intervention, the WB-EMS group showed a statistically significant increase in limb muscle mass, a reduction in abdominal fat and an improvement in lower limb extensor strength compared with the control group. The authors also report that the method was very well tolerated by the older women and that no serious training-related adverse effects were recorded. The study confirms that WB-EMS can represent a suitable alternative to conventional strength training for older people who are unable or unwilling to exercise regularly.

- The randomised controlled trial included 46 women over 70 at increased risk of sarcopenia and central obesity. - The intervention lasted 12 months with a frequency of 3 WB-EMS sessions per 14 days. - Limb muscle mass increased in the WB-EMS group, whereas it decreased in the control group (p = 0.025). - Abdominal fat decreased in the WB-EMS group, whereas it increased in the control group (p = 0.038). - Lower limb extensor strength increased by approximately 9%, which was significantly more than in the control group (p = 0.010). - No serious adverse effects related to WB-EMS were recorded.

The study shows that regular WB-EMS can help older women preserve or increase muscle mass, reduce abdominal fat and at the same time improve muscle strength. Thanks to the short duration of individual sessions and good tolerance, it represents a suitable option particularly for older people who are unable to complete conventional intensive strength training. The results support the use of WB-EMS in programmes focused on the prevention of sarcopenia, the promotion of functional independence and healthy ageing.