Whole-body Electrostimulation on Functional Mobility and Quality of Life in the Elderly

Effects of Whole-body Electrostimulation on Functional Mobility and Quality of Life in the Elderly: Randomized Clinical Trial

Elderly people experience reduced strength, mass and muscle function throughout the aging process, and this negatively affects the functionality and quality of life of these individuals. A randomized clinical trial will be carried out with 30 volunteers who will be allocated into two groups (whole-body electrical stimulation or control). Whole-body electrical stimulation (WBS) sessions will take place twice a week, for 8 weeks, totaling 16 sessions. The primary outcomes of this study are functional mobility (Timed Up and Go test) and quality of life (EQ-5D questionnaire). Functional mobility will be assessed at baseline, after 4 and 8 weeks of treatment or follow-up. Quality of life will be assessed only at the beginning and end of 8 weeks.

Elderly people experience reduced strength, mass and muscle function throughout the aging process, and this negatively affects the functionality and quality of life of these individuals. Rehabilitation strategies similar to conventional exercise that minimize the damage caused by aging and improve subjects' adherence need to be studied. A randomized clinical trial will be carried out with 30 volunteers who will be allocated into two groups (whole-body electrical stimulation or control). Whole-body electrical stimulation (WBS) sessions will take place twice a week, for 8 weeks, totaling 16 sessions. Simultaneously with the WBS, the elderly will perform exercises for the upper, lower limbs and trunk. The following assessments will be carried out at baseline and 8 weeks to verify the effect of therapy: assessment of functional mobility; quality of life (EQ-5D); isometric muscle strength of the quadriceps muscles, biceps brachii and handgrip strength; lower limb muscle strength; assessment of body composition; assessment of cellular senescence; the inflammatory profile; well-being; measurement of muscle damage and pain; assessment of therapy safety and assessment of sleep quality. Assessments of functional mobility, lower limb muscle strength, cellular senescence; the inflammatory profile; well-being; and muscle damage will also be carried out in 4 weeks.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Elderly people aged between 60 and 85 years;
• Both sexes;
• To have the ability to walk.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Cognitive dysfunction;
• Intolerance to electrical stimulator and/or changes in skin sensitivity;
• Skin injuries or burns where the electrodes are positioned;
• Sequelae of stroke;
• Recent acute myocardial infarction;
• Uncontrolled hypertension;
• Grade IV heart failure or decompensated;
• Unstable angina or arrhythmia;
• Peripheral vascular changes in the lower limbs such as venous thrombosis deep;
• Disabling osteoarticular or musculoskeletal disease;
• Uncontrolled diabetes;
• Cancer;
• Autoimmune disease;
• Pacemaker;
• Epilepsy;
• Hemophilia;
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease;
• Liver and kidney diseases;
• Grade II obesity (BMI≥35).