Effect of Electromyostimulation on Bone

Effects of Whole-Body Electromyostimulation on Osteoporosis and Sarcopenia in Independently Living, Frail Elderly Females

Although there is some evidence that whole body electromyostimulation(WB-EMS) affect bone via its acute and longitudinal effects on muscle mass and strength, the corresponding impact on bone density and falls in older adults has not been assessed yet. The investigators hypothesize that WB-EMS significantly affects bone parameters as assessed by DXA, and significantly reduce fall rate and ratio in a cohort of frail elderly women.

Inclusion Criteria:

• female gender
• 70 years and older
• osteopenia according to WHO
• BMI < 24 kg/m2
• living independently in the area of Erlangen-Nurnberg

Exclusion Criteria:

• medication or diseases affecting bone metabolism (including HRT)
• > 1 hour/week of exercise
• epilepsy, grave neurologic disturbances,
• cardiac pacemaker, grave circulatory disorders,
• abdomen/groin hernia,
• tuberculosis,
• cancer,
• inflammable diseases,
• bleeding tendencies,