Electrical Muscle Stimulation Versus Resistance Training in Overweight and Obese Women
Compares muscle stimulation with strength exercise in overweight or obese women.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: EMS vs. Resistance Training in Overweight Women
Key facts
- Where
- Birjand, IranSee the site
Could this be for you?
Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.
- Are you between 35 and 45 years old?
Source: NCT07787286, who can take part
Where in Iran
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of BirjandBirjand, IranNo longer taking part
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- Birjand University of Medical Sciences
- Trial code
- NCT07787286
- Record updated
- 26 August 2026
- Original description
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.Read full original descriptionShow less
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
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.
Inclusion: Healthy non-menopausal women aged 35 to 45 years; Body mass index (BMI) between 25 and 35 kg/m²; Similar menstrual cycle pattern; No pregnancy or lactation; No continuous medication affecting fat or muscle mass (based on health and fitness questionnaire); No history of cruciate ligament injury or other upper/lower extremity injuries in the past 6 months; No history of heart attack or acute cardiovascular disease; No use of medications (glucocorticoids, beta-blockers, alcohol) or antioxidant supplements that could interfere with study results.
Exclusion: Inability to complete the intervention program; Absence from more than three consecutive training sessions; Failure to comply with the study protocol; Development of any medical condition during the study period that contraindicates continued participation.