ENHANCING PHYSICAL and COGNITIVE EFFICIENCY in INDIVIDUALS AT RISK of DEMENTIA USING WHOLE-BODY ELECTROMYOSTIMULATION

ENHANCING PHYSICAL and COGNITIVE EFFICIENCY in ELDERLY INDIVIDUALS AT RISK of DEMENTIA USING WHOLE-BODY ELECTROMYOSTIMULATION

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of twelve weeks whole-body electrical muscle stimulation combined with aerobic exercises.

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of twelve weeks of WB-EMS (whole-body electrical muscle stimulation at 35Hz and 350 μs) combined with aerobic exercises on a treadmill and rowing machine, in improving physical and cognitive performance in older adults, both healthy and at risk of dementia. The results were compared with those obtained from the same training without WB-EMS.

Inclusion Criteria:

• age from 55 to 85 years;
• no simultaneous participation in any type of supervised physical activity;
• Sedentary lifestyle

Exclusion Criteria:

• mini-mental state examination (MMSE) score of less than 24;
• inability to walk for 6 min without assistance;
• the presence of a medical condition influencing the cognitive and/or motor functions;
• the presence of any counter indication for the utilisation of EMS, such as cardiovascular diseases, stents, cardiac pacemakers, and diabetes mellitus, verified by medical certification.