Effects of Whole-Body Electromyostimulation versus High-Intensity Resistance Exercise on Body Composition and Strength: A Randomized Controlled Study

The study compared the effectiveness of whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) with high-intensity training (HIT), which is regarded as the standard method for developing muscle mass and strength. Participants were randomly allocated to two groups: WB-EMS (20 minutes, approximately 1.5 times per week) HIT (twice weekly). After 16 weeks, both groups achieved a significant increase in muscle mass, a gain in muscle strength and a reduction in body fat. No statistically significant differences were found between WB-EMS and conventional strength training. The authors therefore conclude that WB-EMS represents a time-efficient alternative to conventional strength training for people seeking to improve their body composition and overall strength.

- The study demonstrated that whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) achieves comparable results to high-intensity resistance training (HIT) in improving muscle mass, muscle strength and body composition. - Both groups showed a significant increase in lean body mass, with no statistically significant difference between WB-EMS and HIT. - Maximum strength of the lower limbs and back muscles increased significantly in both groups, confirming that WB-EMS is an effective method of developing muscle strength. - Both methods also led to a reduction in body fat, without a demonstrable advantage for either. - The results show that 20-minute WB-EMS sessions approximately 1.5 times per week can bring about comparable changes in body composition and strength as regular intensive resistance training, which is significant particularly for people with limited time or lower tolerance of conventional exercise.

The study shows that WB-EMS can achieve comparable results to high-intensity resistance training, even though a single session lasts only 20 minutes. In untrained adult men, the method led to an increase in muscle mass, a gain in muscle strength and a reduction in body fat. The results support the use of WB-EMS as a time-efficient alternative to conventional resistance training, particularly in people who have limited time or are unable to complete conventional strength training.