The Impact of Training With Whole Body-EMS

The Impact of Training With Whole Body-EMS

Researchers are trying to find out what impact training with whole body-EMS (Electronic muscle stimulation) has on various health outcomes.

All subjects in both groups who enroll into this study will undergo an assessment of peripheral endothelial function with reactive hyperemia-peripheral arterial tonometry (RH-PAT) testing using EndoPAT; an assessment of vital signs including heart rate, blood pressure, weight, height and body mass index; laboratory blood work; cardiorespiratory testing using treadmill testing to determine VO2 max and maximal tolerated heart rate; maximal strength and maximal power testing on chest press and leg press testing; and percent body fat and fat distribution testing at baseline, and at 16-weeks follow-up (immediately after completing a 16-week training program using whole body-EMS). Baseline cardiovascular risk factors will be assessed by subject questionnaire and verified by chart review. In addition, subjects will complete an angina/chest pain symptom questionnaire (Rose Questionnaire), quality of life questionnaire (LASA Questionnaire), depression questionnaire (Patient Health Questionaire-9) and perceived stress questionnaire (Perceived Stress Scale) to assess for psychosocial wellness at each point in the study.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Healthy individuals
• Employees at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN

Exclusion Criteria:

• Subjects under the age of 18
• Pregnant women
• Subjects with a history of liver or kidney disease, acute illness, taking medications (such as glucocorticoids)
• Subjects who have conditions (such as chronic inflammatory muscular diseases or Cushing's syndrome) that affect muscle mass
• Individuals with pacemakers and implantable cardiac defibrillators
• Individuals who conduct any other type of resistance training (> 45 minutes/week)
• Individuals who have regular "high" alcohol consumption (> 80g/day on 5 days a week)
• Subjects unable to consent to or participate in the 16-week EMS intervention or be available for follow up