Effects of whole-body electromyostimulation on health indicators of older people: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials. (July 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: de Oliveira, Túlio M.D.; Felício, Diogo C.; Filho, José E.; Fonseca, Diogo S.; Durigan, João Luiz Q.; Malaguti, Carla
• Is Part Of: Journal of bodywork and movement therapies. Volume 31(2022)
• Page Start: 134
• Page End: 145
• Publication Date: 2022-07
• Subjects: WB-EMS -- Older people -- Exercise -- Sarcopenia -- Health-related outcomes; Massage -- Periodicals; Exercise therapy -- Periodicals; Manipulation (Therapeutics) -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 615.82
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2022.03.010
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1360-8592

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: to provide evidence for the effects of whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) on health-related outcomes compared to the effects of minimal or non-intervention for older people in the short/medium/long term. Data sources: seven databases (MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, CINAHL, Scopus, SPORTDiscuss and Web of Science) were electronically searched in April 2020 and updated in March 2021. Study selection: included studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving WB-EMS that assessed effects on health-related outcomes, risks and adverse events in older people (>60 years). Data extraction: the following data were obtained: author and publication year, follow-up, detailed information of older characteristics, current parameters/intensity and outcomes. Data synthesis: a random effects model was used with effect size reported as SMD. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed using the I 2 test. Results: 13 RCTs met the eligibility criteria. Meta-analysis found: large effects of WB-EMS on reducing sarcopenia Z-score (ES: 1.44[-2.02: 0.87] p= <.01) and improving isometric strength leg extensors (ES: 0.81[0.41: 1.21] p= <.01) at medium and long-term, respectively. Moderate effects of WB-EMS on improving handgrip strength (ES: 0.58[0.23: 0.92] p= <.01) and habitual gait speed (ES: 0.69[0.31: 1.07] p= <.01) at medium-term and improving appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ES:0.69 [0.30: 1.09] p= <.01) at long-term. Non-significant effect of WB-EMS on waist circumference (p = .17) and triglycerides (p = .20) at medium-term. Non-significant effects of WB-EMS on improving creatine kinase concentrations, C-reactive protein, and interleukin 6 at medium-term. Conclusions: This review provides further evidence for significant, moderate to large effect sizes of WB-EMS on sarcopenia, muscle mass and strength parameters, but not on waist circumference and triglycerides. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO database no. CRD42019134100. Highlights: Clinical relevance: - The WB-EMS presented as an alternative intervention to increase the muscle mass, strength parameters, functional capacity in older people. - No effect of WB-EMS was observed on waist circumference and triglycerides in older people in the medium and long-term follow-up. - Faster effects of WB-EMS for handgrip strength and usual gait speed of older people (at medium-term) were seen with the addition of protein supplementation. - There were no adverse events related to the WB-EMS, suggesting that the WB-EMS is safe for use in the older people.