Impact of Whole-Body Electromyostimulation on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Older Women with Sarcopenic Obesity: The Randomized Controlled FORMOsA-Sarcopenic Obesity Study

The FORMOsA study examined the effect of whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) on metabolic syndrome in women over 70 with sarcopenic obesity. The main objective was to determine whether WB-EMS can reduce cardio-metabolic risk in people who are unable or unwilling to exercise regularly. Participants completed one 20-minute EMS session per week at a frequency of 85 Hz, a pulse duration of 350 μs and a mode of 4 seconds stimulation / 4 seconds rest. One group additionally received 21 g of whey protein daily. After six months there was a statistically significant improvement in the overall metabolic syndrome score, particularly in the WB-EMS group with protein supplementation. Blood pressure, waist circumference and HDL cholesterol levels also improved. The study confirms that WB-EMS represents a safe and effective alternative exercise intervention for older people at increased cardio-metabolic risk.

Metabolic syndrome Overall metabolic syndrome score (MetS Z-score): - significant improvement in the WB-EMS + protein group (p = 0.007) - WB-EMS alone showed a positive trend - the control group did not improve. Blood pressure Mean arterial pressure: - −8.1% (WB-EMS) - −9.0% (WB-EMS + protein) Both groups achieved a statistically significant improvement compared with the control. Waist circumference Waist circumference decreased: - WB-EMS: −1.5% - WB-EMS + protein: −0.7% The control group showed no change. HDL cholesterol In the WB-EMS group with protein there was a statistically significant improvement in HDL ("good") cholesterol levels, whereas in the control group HDL in fact decreased. Glucose and triglycerides Fasting glucose and triglyceride levels improved slightly, but the differences between groups were not statistically significant. Safety - no serious adverse effects - session attendance 88-89% - the method was very well tolerated by the older women.

The study shows that WB-EMS can significantly reduce cardio-metabolic risk in older women with sarcopenic obesity, even at a very low time cost of 20 minutes once a week. The greatest benefits were recorded for: - metabolic syndrome, - blood pressure, - waist circumference, - HDL cholesterol. The authors conclude that WB-EMS represents a suitable alternative for people who are unable to complete conventional strength training or regular exercise.