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EMS vs. Resistance Training in Overweight Women
Sponsor: Birjand University of Medical Sciences
Summary
This study aims to compare the effects of eight weeks of resistance training versus electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) on oxidative stress indicators and cellular health index in overweight and obese women aged 35-45 years. Forty-two participants will be randomly assigned to three groups: resistance training, EMS, and control. The resistance training group will perform progressive resistance exercises three times per week for eight weeks. The EMS group will receive electrical muscle stimulation on biceps, abdominal, back, and quadriceps muscles three times per week for eight weeks. The control group will receive no intervention. Oxidative stress markers including superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), catalase (CAT), glutathione, protein carbonyl (PC), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) will be measured from blood samples. Cellular health will be assessed using phase angle (PhA) derived from bioelectrical impedance analysis. Upper and lower body muscular strength and endurance will also be evaluated. All measurements will be taken at baseline and 48 hours after the last training session. The primary outcome is change in phase angle. Secondary outcomes include changes in oxidative stress markers and physical performance.
Official title: Comparison of the Effect of Eight Weeks of Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) Versus Resistance Training on Oxidative Stress Indicators and Cellular Health Index in Overweight and Obese Women
Key Details
Gender
FEMALE
Age Range
35 Years - 45 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
42
Start Date
2026-09-15
Completion Date
2026-11-25
Last Updated
2026-08-26
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Conditions
Interventions
Resistance Training
Progressive resistance training program including upper body (chest press), back (lat pulldown), abdominal (crunch), and lower body (squat) exercises. Performed 3 times per week for 8 weeks. Each session includes warm-up (10 min), main exercises (30 min), and cool-down (10 min). Intensity: 60-85% of 1RM, progressing weekly.
Electrical Muscle Stimulation
Electrical muscle stimulation applied to biceps brachii, abdominals, back, and quadriceps muscles using a commercial EMS device. Parameters: frequency 35-70 Hz, pulse duration 100 μs, pulse period 50 ms, electrode size 150 × 240 mm. Performed 3 times per week for 8 weeks, 15 minutes per session. Intensity progressively increased based on participant tolerance.
No Intervention
Participants in the control group receive no exercise intervention during the 8-week study period.
Locations (1)
Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Birjand
Birjand, South Khorasan Province, Iran