Study on Whole-body Electrical Muscle Stimulation Exercise to Improve Muscle Activation and Physical Function in Healthy Older Adults

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effects of whole-body electrical muscle stimulation exercise WB-EMS Exercise on spinal motoneuronal activation in healthy adults, focusing particularly on older adults. This pilot study aims to understand how motoneuronal activation, which typically decreases with age, can be influenced by WB-EMS Exercise and whether this intervention improves measures of physical function. The research is early work to explore the mechanisms behind WB-EMS Exercise and its potential to enhance the effectiveness of exercise for older adults, which could help maintain their functional independence. The intervention involves using a WB-EMS Device, a fitness suit equipped with electrodes targeting major muscle groups, connected to an impulse pack and controlled via an iPad app. Participants wear the suit and perform leveled exercise programs in the Strength Training Mode twice a week for four weeks. Each session includes 20-minute full-body workouts led by exercise professionals, consisting of 10-12 exercises performed with electrical stimulation cycles of 4 seconds on and 4 seconds off. The exercises are done mostly in a double-limb stance with modifications tailored to each participants safe range of motion. Participants will be assessed before and after the intervention using clinical and electrophysiologic tests, including decomposition electromyography and interpolated twitch technique to measure motoneuronal activation. Physical function will be evaluated through mobility and balance tests, and participants will complete a feedback questionnaire after the intervention. These outcomes will be measured within three days of starting and completing the intervention. The study duration is approximately four weeks of intervention with assessments closely surrounding this period.

Effects of Whole-body Electrical Muscle Stimulation Exercise on Spinal Motoneuronal Activation in Older Adults