Effects of Lower Body EMS Training in Postmenopausal Women

Effects of Lower-Body Electrical Muscle Stimulation Combined With Resistance Training on Body Composition, Muscle Function, and Arteriosclerosis-related Markers in Postmenopausal Women: A Three-arm Randomized Controlled Trial

This study evaluates the effects of a 8-week lower body Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) training program on body composition, muscle function, and arteriosclerosis markers in postmenopausal women.

Menopause is associated with a rapid decline in estrogen, which increases the risk of sarcopenia (muscle loss) and arterial stiffness (cardiovascular disease). While resistance training is effective for these conditions, participation rates among postmenopausal women are often low. This study investigates whether applying EMS during lower body resistance exercises provides superior benefits compared to resistance training alone or no intervention.

Participants will be randomized into three groups:

1. Lower-body EMS combined with Resistance Training Group
2. Resistance Training Only Group
3. Control Group (No intervention)

The study aims to verify the efficacy of EMS as a time-efficient and effective alternative exercise modality for improving vascular and musculoskeletal health in this population.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Post-menopausal women (defined as cessation of menstruation for at least 12 months).
• Aged between 50 and 70 years.
• Sedentary lifestyle (no participation in regular resistance training programs within the last 6 months).
• Able to perform lower body resistance exercise with LB-EMS suit.
• Willing to participate in the study and provide informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Contraindications for WB-EMS: Presence of implanted electrical devices (e.g., pacemakers, defibrillators), severe bleeding disorders (e.g., hemophilia), abdominal/inguinal hernia, or history of surgery within the last 6 months (including stent insertion).
• Severe Chronic Diseases: Diagnosis of severe cardiovascular (e.g., MI, heart failure, arrhythmia), renal, neurological (e.g., epilepsy), or oncological diseases (currently undergoing treatment).
• Uncontrolled Cardiovascular Conditions: Uncontrolled hypertension or severe arterial circulatory disorders.
• Confounding Medications: Current use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopause or medications for severe psychiatric disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety).
• Acute Conditions & Others: Acute infection/inflammation, influence of alcohol/drugs, or any other condition deemed unsuitable by the investigator.