Running with whole-body electromyostimulation improves physiological determinants of endurance performance – a randomized control trial

Abstract

Background This study aimed to evaluate the physiological and metabolic adaptations to an eight-week running intervention with whole-body electromyostimulation (wbEMS) compared to running without wbEMS. Methods In a randomized controlled trial (RCT), 59 healthy participants (32 female/ 27 male, 41 ± 7 years, rel.V̇O2max 40.2 ± 7.4 ml/min/kg) ran twice weekly à 20 min for eight weeks either with a wbEMS suit (EG) or without wbEMS (control group, CG). Before and after the intervention, (i) rel.V̇O2max, heart rate and time to exhaustion were recorded with an incremental step test with an incremental rate of 1.20 km/h every 3 min. They were interpreted at aerobic and (indirect) anaerobic lactate thresholds as well as at maximum performance. (ii) Resting metabolic rate (RQ) as well as (iii) body composition (%fat) were assessed. Results Following the intervention, V̇O2max was significantly enhanced for both groups (EG ∆13 ± 3%, CG ∆9 ± 3%). Velocity was elevated at lactate thresholds and maximum running speed (EG ∆3 ± 1%, CG ∆2 ± 1%); HRmax was slightly reduced by -1 beat/min. No significant changes were observed for time until exhaustion and lactate. RQ was significantly enhanced following both trainings by + 7%. %fat was reduced for both groups (EG ∆-11 ± 3%, CG ∆-16 ± 5%), without any changes in body mass. Results did not differ significantly between groups. Conclusions Both interventions had a positive impact on aerobic power. The rightward shift of the time-velocity graph points towards improved endurance performance. The effects of wbEMS are comparable to those after high-intensity training and might offer a time-efficient alternative to affect physiological and metabolic effects. Trial registration German Clinical Trials Register, ID DRKS00026827, date 10/26/21.

No beneficial effect of aerobic whole-body electromyostimulation on lower limbs strength and power – a randomized controlled trial

“…A flow chart as well as anthropometric details are described in Fig. 1 and in Krause et al 2023 [ 19 ].…”

“…Each training was limited to 20 min [ 18 ] and there was at least 48 h of rest between two sessions [ 20 ]. Training intensity was increased based on the results of the initial incremental step test every two weeks and controlled by means of perceived exertion (rating of perceived exertion > 7 out of 10, Supplemental Table 1 ) as described elsewhere [ 19 ].…”