Journal of Sports and Biomotor Sciences

Journal of Sports and Biomotor Sciences

The effect of 8 weeks of Whole-Body Electromyostimulation training on body composition and BDNF gene expression in elderly men

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Amir Ghasemabadi 1
Mohammadreza Hossein Abadi 2
Ameneh Barjaste Yazdi 2
Amir Rashidlamir 3
1 PHD Student, Department of Physical Education,Ne.C. Islamic Azad University, Neyshabur, Iran
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Education,Ne.C. Islamic Azad University, Neyshabur, Iran
3 Associate Professor, Department of Physical Education, Mashhad Branch, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran
10.22034/sbs.2026.579290.1167
Abstract
Introduction and Purpose: The present study aimed to investigate the effect of eight weeks of WB-EMS training on body composition and BDNF gene expression in elderly men.
Materials and Methods: This applied study employed a pre-test-post-test design with two experimental groups and a control group. In this study, 25 elderly men participated. The subjects were randomly divided into two whole-body electrical muscle stimulation training groups(n=12) (Mean age = 61.58±1.67, weight = 88.70±7.96, and body mass index = 29.48±1.97) and control (n=13) (Mean age = 62.84±2.73, weight = 89.44±6.36, and body mass index = 29.22±2.39). The experimental group performed the exercises twice a week for 8 weeks. After separating plasma and PBMN cells, blood samples were used to assess BDNF gene expression by Real-Time PCR. Data analysis was performed using repeated measures analysis of variance at a significance level of P<0.05.
Results: The Results showed that eight weeks of WB-EMS training resulted in significant decreases in body weight (p=0.0001), body mass index (p=0.0001), and body fat percentage (p=0.0001) compared to the control group. The results also showed that the group-time interaction in BDNF gene expression was significant(p=0.0001), indicating that BDNF gene expression increased significantly after eight weeks of WB-EMS training compared to the control group.
Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that eight weeks of WB-EMS training, in addition to improving body composition, can lead to increased BDNF gene expression, which may play an important role in improving cognitive and neurological function in the elderly.
Keywords
Elderly
Electrical Muscle Stimulation
Cognitive Function
Body Composition
Subjects

Extended Abstract

1.   Introduction and Purpose

Aging is progressively associated with a decline in physical capacity and cognitive function. Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) plays a pivotal role in brain function and neurogenesis across mammalian species, directly influencing brain morphology and structural integrity. However, circulating BDNF levels naturally decrease with age, a reduction closely linked to functional and cognitive impairments in older adults.

While regular exercise training is known to mitigate cognitive decline in the elderly by regulating neurotrophic factors like BDNF and Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), Whole-Body Electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) has emerged as a time-efficient alternative. WB-EMS artificially activates multiple muscle groups simultaneously using electrical currents delivered via targeted electrodes. Although its efficacy in improving muscle function and physical performance has been demonstrated in young adults, the elderly, and clinical populations (such as those with sarcopenia), research exploring its direct effects on human BDNF expression—especially in older cohorts—remains scarce and inconsistent. Given that cognitive health significantly impacts rehabilitation outcomes and physiotherapy effectiveness in elderly individuals, exploring novel interventions is crucial. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of an 8-week WB-EMS training program on body composition and BDNF gene expression in elderly men.

2.   Materials and Methods

This applied study utilized a pre-test/post-test randomized controlled design. The study population consisted of elderly men aged 60 to 70 years. Twenty-five eligible volunteers (mean age: 62.24 ± 2.33 years) with no underlying diseases, metabolic disorders, skeletal deformities, serious injuries, or history of using hormonal/complementary medications, and free of cardiac stents or platinum implants, were selected. Subjects were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (n = 12) or the control group (n = 13).

The experimental group underwent WB-EMS training twice a week for eight consecutive weeks, with each session lasting approximately 20 minutes. Stimulation was delivered using a bipolar current from an Iranian-manufactured EMS device (LT+ Company) featuring a 10-output channel electrical pulse generator. The stimulation parameters were set to a frequency of 85 Hz and a pulse width of 350 mus. Training intensity was individually adjusted using the Borg CR-10 Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale, with participants maintaining an intensity described as "hard" to "very hard" (RPE 7–8). Fasting blood samples were collected from the brachial vein at two distinct time points: 24 hours before the first training session and 48 hours following the final session. After confirming data normality, differences were analyzed using a mixed-design repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA).

 

3.   Results

The repeated measures ANOVA revealed that eight weeks of WB-EMS training led to a significant decrease in body weight (p = 0.0001), body mass index (p = 0.0001), and body fat percentage (p = 0.0001) compared to the control group. Furthermore, a significant group-by-time interaction was observed for BDNF gene expression (p = 0.0001), demonstrating a substantial increase in BDNF expression in the experimental group following the 8-week intervention relative to the control group.

4.   Conclusions

The findings indicate that an 8-week WB-EMS training protocol significantly optimizes body composition in elderly men by reducing body weight, BMI, and body fat percentage, while fostering a significant increase in skeletal muscle mass. These observations align with the limited existing literature regarding EMS-induced body composition improvements.

Crucially, the intervention significantly up-regulated BDNF gene expression. While the exact physiological pathways driving exercise- and EMS-induced BDNF elevation require further elucidation, current hypotheses suggest this mechanism may be mediated by the induction of Fibronectin Type III Domain-Containing Protein 5 (Fndc5) expression—a PGC-alpha-dependent myokine in skeletal muscle—which subsequently triggers BDNF production. Additionally, the elevated sympathetic nerve activity typically induced by EMS may further stimulate this neurotrophic response. In conclusion, WB-EMS serves as a viable and effective intervention to improve body composition and enhance BDNF gene expression in elderly cohorts, potentially playing a valuable role in preserving neurological and cognitive health during aging.

5.      Acknowledgment & Funding

This article is not sponsored.

6.   Ethical Considerations

This research was approved by the ethics committee with the ethical code of IR.IAU.NEYSHABUR.REC.1404.055.

7.   Authors' Contributions

All authors have actively participated in the study and in writing the article.

8.   Conflict of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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  • Receive Date 21 April 2026
  • Revise Date 03 July 2026
  • Accept Date 07 July 2026