Gender Differences in Perceived Barriers and Benefitsof Whole-Body Electromyostimulation Users: A Pilot Study

Abstract

The importance of physical activity (PA) in people’s health is well known. Today, sedentary lifestyles constitute a serious risk to global health. The likelihood that an individual will engage in PA depends largely on the perceived benefits and barriers to being physically active. The industry continues to create mechanisms to improve PA practice by minimizing the barriers. Thus, whole-body electrostimulation training (WB-EMS) emerged. Objective: To identify the main barriers and perceived benefits for WB-EMS users and to determine if there are differences between genders. Design: Cross-sectional study with 270 WB-EMS users from five countries. Results: There were no significant differences in barriers and perceived benefits between genders. Perceived benefits: enjoyment (70.3%), increased physical fitness (55.1%), personal accomplishment (53%), improve overall body (51.9%) and increase muscle strength (51.9%); Barriers: Take too much time from family (73.7%), take too much time from responsibilities (71.5%) and physical exercise (PE) takes a lot of time (67.4%). Conclusions: There were no significant differences between genders. The most prominent perceived benefits of using WB-EMS are enjoyment and increased physical health, and the main barriers are related to lack of time.