The goal of this randomized controlled trial is to investigate the effects of a 16-week whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) program on body composition, cardiometabolic health, functional capacity, quality of life, and satisfaction with life in overweight/obese postmenopausal women. The study will examine whether adding WB-EMS to a supervised exercise program results in greater improvements in these outcomes compared with the same exercise program performed without electrical stimulation.
Participants will be randomly allocated to either the WB-EMS group or the control group. Both groups will participate in a 16-week supervised exercise program consisting of two sessions per week, with at least 48 hours between consecutive sessions.
Participants in the WB-EMS group will perform supervised exercise sessions with whole-body electrical stimulation. WB-EMS will be delivered using bipolar electrical impulses at a frequency of 85 Hz and a pulse width of 350 μs, with an intermittent stimulation pattern of 4 seconds of stimulation followed by 4 seconds of rest. The exercise program will include dynamic resistance and functional exercises involving major muscle groups, including squats, lunges, upper-body pushing and pulling movements, and trunk exercises.
The control group will perform the same supervised exercise program without electrical stimulation. Exercise type, session duration, weekly frequency, intervention duration, supervision, and progression will be matched between groups to isolate the additional effects of WB-EMS.
Body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m²
Age 48-60 years
Postmenopausal status, defined as amenorrhea for >12 consecutive months
Stable eating habits
Any medical condition or contraindication that prevents participation in physical exercise
Cardiovascular diseases (hypertension or heart failure)
Metabolic or inflammatory disorders (uncontrolled diabetes mellitus or autoimmune diseases)
Parallel
Whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) training
Other interventionParticipants will complete a 16-week supervised exercise program consisting of two sessions per week, with at least 48 hours between consecutive sessions. The WB-EMS group will perform 20-minute sessions while receiving bipolar electrical stimulation at 85 Hz with a pulse width of 350 μs, using an intermittent 4-second stimulation/4-second rest pattern. Exercises will include squats, lunges, upper-body pushing and pulling movements, and trunk exercises targeting major muscle groups. Stimulation intensity will be individually adjusted according to participants' tolerance, with a target perceived intensity of approximately 5-7 on a 0-10 scale.
Supervised exercise without whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS)
BehavioralThe control group will perform the same exercise program without electrical stimulation. Exercise type, session duration, weekly frequency, intervention duration, supervision, and progression will be matched between groups to isolate the additional effect of WB-EMS.
Body Mass Index (BMI)
BMI calculated as weight (kg) divided by height squared (m²)
Body fat percentage
Bodyfat percentage determined from four skinfold sites (biceps, triceps, subscapular, and supra-iliac) using a calibrated Harpenden Skinfold Caliper. Measurements expressed as %.
Waist circumference
Measured at the narrowest point between the rib cage and iliac crest using a non-elastic tape measure. Measurements expressed in cm.
Hip circumference
Measured at the widest point of the hips using a non-elastic tape measure. Measurements expressed in cm.
Fasting glucose
Fasting plasma glucose concentration (mmol/L).
Blood Pressure (Systolic and Diastolic)
Measured using an automated arm cuff (Omron BP652)
Resting Heart Rate
Measured using automated device (Omron BP652)
Satisfaction with life
Global life satisfaction will be assessed using the validated Arabic version of the 5-item Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). Each item is scored from 1 to 7, with a total score ranging from 5 to 35. Higher scores indicate greater satisfaction with life
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