We investigated early effects of Whole-Body Electromyostimulation added to
hypocaloric diet on metabolic syndrome features in sedentary middle-aged
individuals. We randomly assigned 25 patients to Whole-Body
Electromyostimulation plus caloric restriction or caloric restriction alone for
26 weeks. Anthropometrics, blood pressure, fasting glucose and insulin, HOMA-IR,
glycated hemoglobin, lipids, uric acid, creatinphosphokynase, C-reactive protein
were assessed. Body composition was evaluated with direct-segmental,
multi-frequency Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis. Both groups lost approximately
10% of weight, with similar effects on waist circumference and fat mass.
Change in free-fat mass was significantly different between groups (caloric
restriction −1.5±0.2 vs. Whole-Body Electromyostimulation plus
caloric restriction +1.1±0.4 kg, p=0.03).
Whole-Body Electromyostimulation plus caloric restriction group experienced
greater percent reductions in insulin (−45.5±4.4 vs.
−28.2±3.6%, p=0.002), HOMA-IR
(–51.3±3.2 vs. –25.1±1.8%,
p=0.001), triglycerides (−22.5±2.9 vs.
−4.1±1.6%, p=0.004) and
triglycerides/HDL (p=0.028). Subjects trained with Whole-Body
Electromyostimulation had also significant improvement in systolic pressure
(138±4 vs. 126±7 mmHg, p=0.038). No
discontinuations for adverse events occurred. In middle-aged sedentary subjects
with the metabolic syndrome, Whole-Body Electromyostimulation with caloric
restriction for 26 weeks can improve insulin-resistance and lipid profile
compared to diet alone. Further studies are needed to ascertain long-term
efficacy and feasibility of this approach in individuals with the metabolic
syndrome.