Impact of whole-body electromyostimulation on body composition in elderly women at risk for sarcopenia: the Training and ElectroStimulation Trial (TEST-III)

The TEST-III study evaluated the effectiveness of whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) in 76 non-exercising women aged approximately 75 at increased risk of sarcopenia. Participants were randomly allocated either to a group completing WB-EMS or to a control group with comparable physical activity but no electrostimulation. The intervention lasted 54 weeks and its main objective was to determine the effect of WB-EMS on muscle mass, body composition and muscle strength. At the end of the study, the WB-EMS group showed preservation of, or a slight increase in, muscle mass, whereas the control group lost muscle mass. At the same time there was an increase in lean body mass and a significant improvement in lower limb and back muscle strength. Although the reduction in abdominal fat did not reach statistical significance, it showed a favourable trend. The authors conclude that WB-EMS represents a suitable alternative for older people who are unable or unwilling to perform conventional strength training regularly.

- The randomised controlled trial included 76 women aged approximately 75 at increased risk of sarcopenia. - The intervention ran for 54 weeks with a frequency of approximately 1.5 WB-EMS sessions per week. - The WB-EMS group showed preservation of, or a slight increase in, appendicular muscle mass, whereas the control group recorded its loss. - Lean body mass increased significantly in the WB-EMS group. - Maximum isometric strength of the lower limbs increased by approximately 10%. - Maximum trunk extensor strength increased by approximately 10%. - The participants tolerated the long-term WB-EMS programme well and the study confirmed its good acceptability for older people.

The results of the study show that whole-body electromyostimulation can represent an effective method for preserving muscle mass and improving muscle strength in older people at increased risk of sarcopenia. For patients who are unable or unwilling to complete regular strength training, WB-EMS can be a suitable alternative supporting active ageing, the preservation of independence and the prevention of functional loss of muscle mass. The study also confirms that, with a properly guided programme, WB-EMS can be incorporated long term into the care of older people as part of preventive and rehabilitation programmes.