A 2021 study published in *Frontiers in Physiology* examined how combining whole-body electrostimulation (WB-EMS) with bodyweight exercises affects physically inactive older adults.
Study Overview
Participants: 20 sedentary men, average age 75.
Groups:
• Control Group: Performed bodyweight exercises while wearing electrostimulation suits with no active current.
• WB-EMS Group: Performed the same exercises using active WB-EMS.
Duration: 6 weeks, with sessions twice a week.
Exercises: Eight bodyweight exercises, two sets of eight repetitions each.
Key Findings
The WB-EMS group showed significant improvements:
Functional Fitness:
• 30-second chair stand test: Improved from 10 to 14 repetitions.
• Arm curl test: Increased from 16 to 20 repetitions.
• 6-minute walk test: Distance increased from 402 to 500 meters.
• Handgrip strength: Increased from 30 to 32 kgf.
Muscle Thickness:
• Biceps brachii: Increased from 17.7 mm to 21.4 mm.
• Triceps brachii: Increased from 14.7 mm to 17.5 mm.
• Vastus lateralis (thigh muscle): Increased from 15.1 mm to 18.6 mm.
Conclusions
Incorporating WB-EMS into bodyweight training for older, inactive men resulted in:
• Enhanced muscle strength and endurance.
• Improved walking ability.
• Increased muscle mass.
This suggests that WB-EMS can be an effective tool for improving functional fitness and muscle health in older adults.
Implications
For older adults looking to improve their physical function and muscle mass, whole-body electrical muscle stimulation (WB-EMS) combined with simple exercises offers a promising approach.
Reference: Evangelista AL, et al. (2021). Effects of Whole-Body Electrostimulation Combined with Resistance Training on Functional Capacity and Body Composition in Inactive Older Adults. Frontiers in Physiology, 12, 638936. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2021.638936
Why Visionbody Goes the Extra Mile
Everything demonstrated in this study—improved strength, endurance, and body composition—is fully supported by Visionbody’s EMS-EMA technology. But Visionbody goes even further than that.
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This is the essence of biohacking and longevity: giving your body the tools it needs to stay strong, lean, and capable, no matter your age or lifestyle.
Henri Schmidt
Muscle Expert & EMS Innovator
CEO and Founder of Visionbody
