Journal of Sports and Biomotor Sciences

Journal of Sports and Biomotor Sciences

Effect of whole-body electromyostimulation with and without suspension training on physical performance of obese women

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Taher Afsharnezhad 1
Farahnaz Ayatizadeh 1
Seyyedeh Yasamin Soumander 2
mohamadreza Sadeghian Shahi 1
1 Department of Sport Sciences, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran
2 Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Shomal University, Amol, Iran
10.22034/sbs.2023.392152.1025
Abstract
Introduction and purpose: Introduction and Purpose: Obesity is an important health problem in the modern lifestyle. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of suspension training (ST) and whole body electrical stimulation (WB-EMS) on physical performance and body composition in female obese patients.
Materials and Methods: In a semi-experimental research design, thirty-six obese female volunteers randomly were divided into three groups (WB-EMS, ST, and ST+WB-EMS). They completed eight weeks of suspension resistance training, WB-EMS, or both programs (3 sessions/week). WB-EMS was performed by wearing a full-body suit that provided electrical stimulation. Body composition, upper and lower body strength, active balance, and agility were measured before and after the interventions. Data were analyzed using paired t-test and ANCOVA, and the statistical significance level was set at P≤0.05.
Results: The results of paired t-test show an improvement in upper and lower body strength, balance and agility after all interventions (P<0.05). In addition, the muscle mass of the WB-EMS group did not change significantly after eight weeks, in contrast to the ST and ST+WB-EMS groups. Analysis of covariance shows that the changes in agility, strength, and muscle mass were significantly greater in the ST and ST+WB-EMS groups than in the WB-EMS group (P<0.05). Finally, there was no significant difference between the three groups in dynamic balance (P<0.05).
Discussion and Conclusion: These results indicate that in obese women, the effects of WB-EMS were similar to suspension training. Suspension training combined with EMS can be considered as an effective modality for improving physical performance in obese women.
Keywords
Suspension Training
electrical stimulation
obesity
physical performance
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  • Receive Date 07 April 2023
  • Revise Date 27 June 2023
  • Accept Date 05 July 2023