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. 2023 Dec 29;9(1):10.
doi: 10.3390/jfmk9010010.

Acute Effects of Combining Whole-Body Electromyostimulation with Resistance Training in Active Women

Andrea Buonsenso  1 , Marco Centorbi  1 , Giulia Di Martino  1 , Carlo Della Valle  1   2 , Gloria Di Claudio  1 , Domenico Di Fonza  1 , Erika Di Zazzo  1 , Giuseppe Calcagno  1 , Alessandra di Cagno  3 , Giovanni Fiorilli  1
Affiliations

Acute Effects of Combining Whole-Body Electromyostimulation with Resistance Training in Active Women

Andrea Buonsenso et al. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol. .

Abstract

Strength training elicits benefits both in performance and on a psychological level in women, such as increased muscle strength and improved self-esteem. Whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) could be a training strategy for enhancing muscular strength. The aim of this study was to assess the acute effects of a single session of WB-EMS superimposed over classic resistance training on isometric strength, endurance strength and flexibility. Furthermore, the safety of the protocol was assessed by monitoring the levels of creatine kinase (CK) 48 h after the training protocol was completed. Sixteen active women (aged 22.06 ± 1.88) were randomly assigned to an experimental group (EG) (n = 8) and a control group (CG) (n = 8). The EG performed four sets of 12 repetitions of three strength exercises with superimposed WB-EMS, while the CG performed the same protocol without WB-EMS. RM-ANOVA showed a significant time*group interaction on posterior kinetic chain extensors' mean and peak strength in the EG (F(1,14) = 10.036; p = 0.007; and F(1,14) = 20.719; p < 0.001; respectively). A significant time*group interaction was found in the sit and reach test for the EG (F(1,14) = 10.362; p = 0.006). Finally, ANOVA performed on the CK levels showed no significant difference between the groups (F(1,14) = 0.715; p = 0.412). WB-EMS training led to an immediate improvement in strength performance and flexibility, and this protocol was shown to be safe in terms of CK levels, 48 h after completing the training protocol.

Keywords: CK levels; active woman; isometric strength; whole body electromyostimulation.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The figure shows the training load of the three exercises performed. In addition, the phase of the exercise where the participants were asked to perform 4 s of maximal isometric contraction with (EG) or without (CG) the superimposition of WB-EMS is highlighted.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Pre- and post-test means and SD of the results of the performance tests for the two groups. * = pre- and post-test differences (time factor); # = significant time*group interaction; § = significant differences between the two groups (group factor). EG: experimental group; CG: control group; Kg: kilograms; cm: centimeters.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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