Feasibility and Safety of Whole-Body Electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) in Frail Older People: A Pilot Study
Abstract
Exercise in general and resistance training (RT) in particular have demonstrated positive effects on physical functioning and frailty. However, frail older people with functional impairments are among the least physically active and may have problems reaching high intensity levels. The use of special vests with integrated electrodes allows the simultaneous innervation of all large muscle groups by external electrical stimulation, inducing a high-intensity RT at low subjective effort level. This whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) may be a feasible option inducing training stimuli for functionally impaired frail older people.
This study aims at investigating the feasibility and safety of WB-EMS in frail older people with functional limitations. To explore the effects of age and functional status, young and robust old reference groups will serve as comparators.
Conditions: Frailty, Mobility Limitation.
Primary outcome: Recruitment rate; Compliance; Retention rate; Dropout rate; Perceived enjoyment measured by the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale for Older Adults (PACES-8); Intervention engagement measured by the Hopkins Rehabilitation Engagement Scale (HRERS); Concentration of Myoglobin (MB); Concentration of Creatinkinase (CK); estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).
Enrollment: 30 participants.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a clinical trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 30 participants or records.
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