Whole-body electrical muscle stimulation and high-protein diet in older adults with excess weight
Tests electrical muscle stimulation with high-protein eating in inactive older adults with overweight.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: WB-EMS Combined With Nutritional Guidance for a High-Protein Diet on Body Composition, Muscle Function, Psychological and Functional Outcomes in Older Adults With Excess Adiposity
Key facts
- Where
- Maringá, BrazilSee the site
Where in Brazil
- UniCesumar - Centro Universitário CesumarMaringá, BrazilNo 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
- Universidade Cesumar (UNICESUMAR)
- Trial code
- NCT07859072
- Record updated
- 5 October 2026
- Original description
This is a 16-week randomized controlled trial (RCT) with outcome assessor blinding. The objective is to investigate the effects of resistance training (RT) combined with whole-body neuromuscular electrical stimulation (WB-NMES) and a high-protein diet on body composition, anthropometry, and quality of life.Read full original descriptionShow less
Effects of Whole-Body Electromyostimulation Combined With Nutritional Guidance for a High-Protein Diet on Body Composition, Muscle Function, Functional Performance, Psychological Outcomes, Cardiometabolic Health, Cognitive Function, Quality of Life, and Other Health Outcomes in Older Adults With Excess Adiposity: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This is a 16-week randomized controlled trial (RCT) with outcome assessor blinding. The objective is to investigate the effects of resistance training (RT) combined with whole-body neuromuscular electrical stimulation (WB-NMES) and a high-protein diet on body composition, anthropometry, and quality of life.
Sample and Group Allocation
The sample will comprise 36 older adults (≥ 60 years), physically inactive, and with overweight or obesity (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m²). They will be randomized (stratified by sex) into four groups of 9 participants:
RT + NOR: Resistance training + normal-protein diet.
RT + PRO: Resistance training + high-protein diet.
WB-NMES + RT + NOR: Resistance training with electrical stimulation + normal-protein diet.
WB-NMES + RT + PRO: Resistance training with electrical stimulation + high-protein diet.
Intervention Protocol
Exercise (2x/week, 25 min/session): Seven exercises (2 sets of 1 min execution with 45s of rest). Progressive intensity controlled by the OMNI-RPE Scale.
Electrical Stimulation (WB-NMES Groups): Simultaneous use of an electrode suit (85 Hz, 400 µs pulse width, 5s on/5s off duty cycle), with intensity capped at a maximum of 5/10 on the pain/discomfort Visual Analog Scale (VAS).
Nutrition (In-person + Remote): High-protein (PRO) groups will focus on an intake of 1.2 to 1.5 g of protein/kg/day. Normal-protein (NOR) groups will receive general healthy eating guidelines, without encouraging an increase in protein intake.
Assessments and Outcomes (Conducted at T0 and T16)
Body Composition and Anthropometry: Multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance (InBody 570) and circumference measurements following ISAK guidelines.
Physical and Functional Performance:
Handgrip strength (dynamometry).
Muscular endurance (30-second chair stand and arm curl tests).
Upper limb power (2 kg medicine ball throw).
Aerobic endurance (6-Minute Walk Test).
Mobility and fall risk (Timed Up and Go - TUG).
Questionnaires and Scales:
Self-reported functional disability (WHODAS 2.0).
Basic psychological needs satisfaction (BPNES).
Motivational regulation in exercise (BREQ-3).
Quality of life specific for older adults (WHOQOL-OLD).
Adherence: Minimum attendance goal of 75% for the sessions.
Statistical Analysis The analysis will follow the intention-to-treat (ITT) principle. Data will be analyzed using Linear Mixed Models for Repeated Measures (fixed factors: Group and Time), followed by Tukey's post-hoc test, adopting a significance level of $p < 0.05$.
Inclusion: Age 60 years or older (both sexes); Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m² (overweight or obese); Physically inactive (not engaged in regular structured exercise for at least 6 months prior to the study); Medical clearance to engage in progressive resistance exercise and neuromuscular electrical stimulation.
Exclusion: Current use of medications or supplements known to significantly affect protein metabolism or muscle mass; Presence of electronic implants (e.g., cardiac pacemakers, defibrillators) or metallic implants that contraindicate WB-NMES; Absolute contraindications to WB-NMES (e.g., active neoplasia, severe epilepsy, acute inflammatory diseases, severe cardiac arrhythmias, thrombosis); Severe cognitive impairment that prevents understanding instructions or questionnaires; Disabling musculoskeletal or neurological disorders that hinder exercise performance; Uncontrolled chronic diseases (e.g., uncontrolled hypertension or diabetes); Adherence below 85% in training sessions or nutritional follow-ups during the study period.