Body Composition, Muscle Mass, Muscle Strength
Conditions
Keywords
Muscle Mass, Muscle Strength, Body Composition, Resistance Training, Electrical Muscle Stimulation
Brief summary
The purpose of this randomized controlled trial is to determine the effects of Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) combined with resistance training on muscle mass, muscular strength, body composition, and power in trained weightlifters. Participants will be randomly allocated into two groups: one receiving resistance training alone and the other receiving EMS combined with resistance training. The intervention will be conducted for eight weeks, and outcome measures will be assessed at baseline, mid-intervention (4 weeks), and post-intervention (8 weeks). The findings of this study may provide evidence regarding the additional benefits of EMS when combined with conventional resistance training programs in enhancing muscular performance among trained athletes.
Detailed description
Resistance training is widely used to improve muscle mass, strength, and physical performance in athletes. Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) has recently gained attention as an adjunctive modality that may enhance neuromuscular activation and training adaptations when applied during exercise. EMS delivers electrical impulses to skeletal muscles through surface electrodes, which may recruit additional motor units and improve muscular performance outcomes. This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of EMS when combined with resistance training in comparison to resistance training alone in trained male weightlifters. Participants will undergo an eight-week intervention consisting of supervised training sessions three times per week. Outcome measures related to muscle mass, strength, body composition, and power will be recorded at baseline, at four weeks, and at eight weeks. The study findings may provide insight into the practical application of EMS in sports training and rehabilitation settings and its role in improving muscular performance outcomes in trained individuals.
Interventions
OTHEREMS + Resistance Training
This group will combine the benefits of both EMS and Resistance Training to maximize muscle mass, strength, and body composition improvements using both EMS and RT (18). EMS will be applied to muscles using a frequency-specific protocol. EMS treatment according to the parameters defined as frequency (85 Hz), pulse duration (400 1s), and the duty cycle (10s on: 50s off). Exercises: A complementary schedule of EMS and resistance exercises. Frequency: 3 times per week (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday) for 8 weeks.
OTHERResistance Training Only
This protocol will emphasize muscle strengthening through resistance training to improve strength and muscle mass through traditional resistance training methods (7). Exercises: A selection of exercises focusing on muscle mass and strength. Compound exercises (such as squats, deadlifts, bench press) and isolation exercises (such as bicep curls, triceps extensions) Frequency: 3 times per week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) for 8 weeks.
Sponsors
Riphah International University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
TRIPLE (Subject, Caregiver, Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
MALE
Age
18 Years to 40 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Male participants aged 18-40 years * Resistance training ≥3 times/week for at least 1 year * Active participation in weightlifting, bodybuilding, or strength athletics * Medically cleared for physical activity
Exclusion criteria
* Neuromuscular disorders * Cardiac pacemaker or implantable electronic device * Recent musculoskeletal injury (within the last 6 months) * Skin sensitivity or allergy to EMS electrodes
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mid Upper Arm Circumference | Baseline, Week 4, Week 8 | This measurement helps assess muscle size and mass in the upper arm. It is a simple, non-invasive way to estimate changes in muscle growth |
| Thigh Circumference | Baseline, Week 4, Week 8 | This measures the circumference of the thigh, another area where muscle growth can be tracked. It gives insights into lower-body muscle mass |
| Skinfold Thickness | Baseline, Week 4, Week 8 | This refers to the measurement of skinfolds at specific body sites (such as triceps, abdomen, and thigh) using calipers. It provides an estimate of subcutaneous fat and indirectly reflects muscle mass as well |
| 30s Sit-to-Stand Test | Baseline, Week 4, Week 8 | This test measures functional lower-body strength by counting how many times a person can rise from a chair in 30 seconds. It assesses leg strength and endurance |
| Arm Curl Test | Baseline, 4 Week, 8 Week | This evaluates upper-body strength by counting how many bicep curls a person can perform in 30 seconds using a set weight. It focuses on arm muscle endurance and strength |
| 1RM Estimation (One Repetition Maximum) | Baseline, 4 Week, 8 Week | This measures the maximum amount of weight a person can lift in 1 repetition for a given exercise (like squats). Estimating the 1RM helps evaluate maximal strength |
| Vertical Jump Test (Sayers Equation) | Baseline, 4 Week, 8 Week | This test measures lower-body power by assessing how high an individual can jump from a standing position. The Sayers equation is used to calculate power output from the vertical jump height |
| Standing Long Jump | Baseline, 4 Week, 8 Week | This test assesses lower-body power and strength by measuring how far an individual can jump forward from a standing start |
Countries
Pakistan
Contacts
CONTACTDanish Hassan, PhD
PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORAifa Zeenat, MS*
Riphah International University
Outcome results
None listed