Efficacy and Safety of Low Frequency Whole-Body Electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) to Improve Health-Related Outcomes in Non-athletic Adults. A Systematic Review

Kemmler W, Weißenfels A, Willert S, Shojaa M, von Stengel S, Filipovic A, Kleinoeder H, Berger J, Froehlich M (2018)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2018

Journal

Frontiers in Physiology Frontiers Media

Book Volume: 9

DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00573

Abstract

Exercise positively affects most risk factors, diseases and disabling conditions of middle to advanced age, however the majority of middle-aged to older people fall short of the exercise doses recommended for positively affecting cardio-metabolic, musculoskeletal and neurophysiological fitness or disabling conditions. Whole-Body Electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) may be a promising exercise technology for people unable or unmotivated to exercise conventionally. However, until recently there has been a dearth of evidence with respect to WB-EMS-induced effects on health-related outcomes. The aim of this systematic review is to summarize the effects, limitations and risks of WB-EMS as a preventive or therapeutic tool for non-athletic adults. Electronic searches in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Cochrane and Eric were run to identify randomized controlled trials, non-randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses of individual patient data and peer reviewed scientific theses that examined (1) WB-EMS-induced changes of musculoskeletal risk factors and diseases (2) WB-EMS-induced changes of functional capacity and physical fitness (3) WB-EMS-induced changes of cardio-metabolic risk factors and diseases (4) Risk factors of WB-EMS application and adverse effects during WB-EMS interventions. Two researchers independently reviewed articles for eligibility and methodological quality. Twenty-three eligible research articles generated by fourteen research projects were finally included. In summary, thirteen projects were WB-EMS trials and one study was a meta-analysis of individual patient data. WB-EMS significantly improves muscle mass and function while reducing fat mass and low back pain. Although there is some evidence of a positive effect of WB-EMS on cardio-metabolic risk factors, this aspect requires further detailed study. Properly applied and supervised, WB-EMS appears to be a safe training technology. In summary, WB-EMS represents a safe and reasonable option for cohorts unable or unwilling to join conventional exercise programs. However, much like all other types of exercise, WB-EMS does not affect every aspect of physical performance and health.

Authors with CRIS profile

Wolfgang Kemmler Lehrstuhl für Medizinische Physik und Mikrogewebetechnik Anja Weißenfels Lehrstuhl für Medizinische Physik und Mikrogewebetechnik Sebastian Willert Lehrstuhl für Medizinische Physik und Mikrogewebetechnik Mahdieh Shojaa Lehrstuhl für Medizinische Physik und Mikrogewebetechnik Simon von Stengel Lehrstuhl für Medizinische Physik und Mikrogewebetechnik

Involved external institutions

Deutsche Sporthochschule Köln DE Germany (DE) Technische Universität Kaiserslautern DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Kemmler, W., Weißenfels, A., Willert, S., Shojaa, M., von Stengel, S., Filipovic, A.,... Froehlich, M. (2018). Efficacy and Safety of Low Frequency Whole-Body Electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) to Improve Health-Related Outcomes in Non-athletic Adults. A Systematic Review. Frontiers in Physiology, 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2018.00573

MLA:

Kemmler, Wolfgang, et al. "Efficacy and Safety of Low Frequency Whole-Body Electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) to Improve Health-Related Outcomes in Non-athletic Adults. A Systematic Review." Frontiers in Physiology 9 (2018).

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