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To evaluate and compare the effectiveness of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and low-load resistance training with blood flow restriction (BFR) in improving muscle mass, strength, functional performance, and quality of life in elderly individuals diagnosed with sarcopenia
Sarcopenia, the age-related decline in muscle mass, strength, and function, significantly affects the health and independence of elderly individuals. It increases the risk of frailty, falls, and disability. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and low-load resistance training with blood flow restriction (BFR) are promising rehabilitation strategies for older adults with limited physical capacity. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of NMES and BFR in managing sarcopenia and improving physical and functional outcomes in the elderly
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| Label | Type | Description | Intervention Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) Group | Experimental | Participants receive neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) targeting the quadriceps and hamstrings, 30 minutes per session, 3 times per week for 8 weeks |
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| Resistance + BFR Group | Experimental | Participants perform low-load resistance training (30% 1RM) combined with blood flow restriction using pneumatic cuffs, 30 minutes per session, 3 times per week for 8 weeks |
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| Control Group | Placebo Comparator | Participants receive placebo treatment by being connected to a neuromusculoskeletal device that is turned off (no actual stimulation), with no active intervention during the 8-week period |
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| Name | Type | Description | Arm Group Labels | Other Names |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) Group,Resistance + BFR Group | Device | NMES Group: Receives neuromuscular electrical stimulation to the thigh muscles for 30 minutes, three times per week, over 8 weeks. Resistance + BFR Group: Performs low-load resistance exercises with blood flow restriction applied to the thighs, also for 30 minutes per session, three times per week, over 8 weeks. Control Group: Receives placebo treatment using a turned-off stimulation device with no active intervention during the 8-week period. |
| Measure | Description | Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
| Change in Muscle Mass | Assessed using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) to measure skeletal muscle mass. Evaluation is done pre- and post-intervention to detect changes in the Skeletal Muscle Index (SMI), based on EWGSOP2 criteria | 2 month |
| Measure | Description | Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
| Muscle Strength Handheld dynamometer (e.g., MicroFET) | Isometric knee extension strength Measurement: Pre- and post-intervention, using the highest or average value from 2-3 trials. | 2 month |
| Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test |
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Inclusion Criteria:
Low muscle strength (e.g., low handgrip strength)
Low muscle mass (e.g., ASM/height² below cutoff)
Exclusion Criteria:
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| ID | Term |
|---|---|
| D055948 | Sarcopenia |
| ID | Term |
|---|---|
| D009133 | Muscular Atrophy |
| D020879 | Neuromuscular Manifestations |
| D009461 | Neurologic Manifestations |
| D009422 | Nervous System Diseases |
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This study follows a randomised controlled trial (RCT) design involving 60 elderly participants aged 60-75 years diagnosed with sarcopenia according to EWGSOP2 criteria. Participants will be randomly assigned to three groups (n = 20 each).
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This study uses single-blind masking. While participants are aware of their group assignment due to the nature of the interventions (especially NMES and resistance training), outcome assessors who perform the post-intervention evaluations (e.g., muscle strength, functional performance, and quality of life) will be blinded to group allocation. This is done to reduce assessment bias and ensure objective measurement of outcomes.
Additionally, the control group receives a placebo treatment (being connected to a non-active neuromusculoskeletal device), which helps reduce the psychological effects of knowing they are not receiving active intervention
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Assesses eight domains of health-related quality of life, scored from 0 to 100. Administered before and after the intervention period
| 2 month |
| D001284 | Atrophy |
| D020763 | Pathological Conditions, Anatomical |
| D013568 | Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms |
| D012816 | Signs and Symptoms |