Effects of whole-body electromyostimulation on health indicators of older people: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials.

OBJECTIVE

to provide evidence for the effects of whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) on health-related outcomes compared to the effects of minimal or non-intervention for older people in the short/medium/long term.

DATA SOURCES

seven databases (MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, CINAHL, Scopus, SPORTDiscuss and Web of Science) were electronically searched in April 2020 and updated in March 2021.

STUDY SELECTION

included studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving WB-EMS that assessed effects on health-related outcomes, risks and adverse events in older people (>60 years).

DATA EXTRACTION

the following data were obtained: author and publication year, follow-up, detailed information of older characteristics, current parameters/intensity and outcomes.

DATA SYNTHESIS

a random effects model was used with effect size reported as SMD. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed using the I test.

RESULTS

13 RCTs met the eligibility criteria. Meta-analysis found: large effects of WB-EMS on reducing sarcopenia Z-score (ES: 1.44[-2.02: 0.87] p= <.01) and improving isometric strength leg extensors (ES: 0.81[0.41: 1.21] p= <.01) at medium and long-term, respectively. Moderate effects of WB-EMS on improving handgrip strength (ES: 0.58[0.23: 0.92] p= <.01) and habitual gait speed (ES: 0.69[0.31: 1.07] p= <.01) at medium-term and improving appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ES:0.69 [0.30: 1.09] p= <.01) at long-term. Non-significant effect of WB-EMS on waist circumference (p = .17) and triglycerides (p = .20) at medium-term. Non-significant effects of WB-EMS on improving creatine kinase concentrations, C-reactive protein, and interleukin 6 at medium-term.

CONCLUSIONS

This review provides further evidence for significant, moderate to large effect sizes of WB-EMS on sarcopenia, muscle mass and strength parameters, but not on waist circumference and triglycerides.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO database no. CRD42019134100.