Combined Effects of NMES and LIRT on Muscle Strength, Girth, and Physical Endurance in the Geriatric Population

Combined Effects of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation and Low-intensity Resistance Training on Muscle Strength, Girth, and Physical Endurance in Geriatric Population

This study will employ a randomized controlled trial design with a pre-post design to investigate the combined effects of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) and Low-Intensity Resistance Training (LIRT) on muscle strength, muscle girth, and physical endurance in the geriatric population. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group.

• Informed Consent: Obtain informed consent from participants before starting the study.

  2. Demographic Data Collection: Collect demographic data, including age, sex, height, weight, and medical history.

  3. Muscle Strength Assessment: Measure muscle strength using a dynamometer (e.g., handgrip strength or knee extension strength).

  4. Muscle Girth Measurement: Measure muscle girth using a flexible measuring tape (e.g., mid-upper arm or thigh circumference).

  5. 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT): Conduct the 6MWT to assess physical endurance. Intervention

  1. NMES Sessions: Administer NMES sessions 2-3 times a week for 4-5 weeks.
  2. LIRT Sessions: Conduct LIRT exercises 2-3 times a week for 4-5weeks, targeting major muscle groups of upper and lower limb.

Inclusion Criteria:• Age: 65 to 85 (35)

• Both male and female will be added(29)
• Patients with low calf muscle mass <31.5 cm for females and <33.5 cm for males will be included in this study(36).
• Participants able to complete the Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test in ≤ 10 seconds (men) or ≤ 11 seconds (women)(37).
• Participants must have ability to walk independently and absence of severe medical conditions(29).
• Participants who takes > 12 seconds to complete TUG will be included in this study(38

Exclusion Criteria:• Participants with contraindications to NMES or RT, such as pacemakers or severe cardiovascular disease(29).

• Participants with a MoCA score of less than 26 will be excluded to ensure adequate cognitive ability to comprehend and follow the study protocol, including exercise and neuromuscular stimulation procedures (39).
• Participants with any musculoskeletal issues will be excluded from this study(35).
• Participants with neuromuscular disorders that may affect muscle strength or function(29).