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
AI summary: who the study is looking for
From the trial's eligibility criteria. Machine-read from the registry text on this page, so it can be wrong. The registry text below and the trial team decide who can take part.
The trial is looking for adults aged 60 or older who are overweight or obese and do not exercise regularly. It tests exercise with or without electrical muscle stimulation, and a high-protein or normal diet, for 16 weeks.
- Age
- 60 years or older
- Sex
- Men and women can join
- Disease stage
- Overweight or obesity (BMI of 25 kg/m² or higher)
- Earlier treatment
- Must not have done regular structured exercise for at least 6 months before the study
Main reasons for not taking part
- Electronic or metal implants that rule out electrical stimulation, such as a pacemaker or defibrillator
- Conditions that rule out electrical stimulation, such as active cancer, severe epilepsy, acute inflammatory disease, severe heart rhythm problems or thrombosis
- Severe memory or thinking problems that prevent understanding instructions or questionnaires
- Muscle, bone, joint or nerve disorders that make exercise hard
- Uncontrolled long-term diseases, such as uncontrolled high blood pressure or diabetes
Read by machine on 9 November 2026.
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?
Contact the study team: see the registry record → Contacts and Locations
Print a page for my doctorTrial 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.