Effects of Whole-Body Electromyostimulation on Resting Metabolic Rate, Body Composition, and Maximum Strength in Postmenopausal Women: The Training and ElectroStimulation Trial

The study evaluated the effect of whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) on body composition, resting energy expenditure and maximum muscle strength in postmenopausal women. All participants already exercised regularly, with the intervention group additionally completing twenty-minute WB-EMS sessions every 4-5 days. The main parameters monitored were changes in body fat, waist circumference, resting metabolism and maximum isometric strength of the lower limbs and trunk extensors. After 14 weeks, the WB-EMS group showed a significant reduction in subcutaneous fat and waist circumference together with an increase in trunk and lower limb muscle strength. Resting metabolism remained stable, whereas it decreased in the control group. The study shows that regular WB-EMS can represent an effective supplement to an exercise programme in older women, focusing on improving body composition and maintaining functional fitness.

- WB-EMS led to a significant reduction in subcutaneous fat and waist circumference compared with the control group, which continued only its regular exercise programme. - Maximum strength of the trunk extensors and lower limbs increased significantly after 14 weeks, while the control group showed no improvement. - Resting metabolism was preserved in the WB-EMS group, whereas the control group showed a statistically significant decrease. However, the difference between the groups did not reach statistical significance, so this result should be interpreted with caution. - Participants showed 98% attendance at EMS sessions, and no serious health complications related to the intervention were recorded during the study. - The authors conclude that WB-EMS represents a suitable supplement to regular exercise in postmenopausal women, particularly for improving body composition and muscle strength.

The study shows that incorporating short, regular WB-EMS sessions in postmenopausal women can contribute to reducing body fat, improving muscle strength and preserving resting energy expenditure. Thanks to high adherence and good tolerance, WB-EMS represents a suitable option particularly for people looking for a time-efficient supplement to a conventional exercise programme, or those with a limited ability to complete intensive strength training.