EMS vs. Resistance Training in Overweight Women

Trial statusNot yet recruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexFemale
Age35-45
SponsorBirjand University of Medical Sciences

About this trial

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.

Eligibility criteria

This trial accepts healthy volunteers

Qualifiers

Healthy non-menopausal women aged 35 to 45 years

Disqualifiers

Inability to complete the intervention program

Trial design

Design model

Parallel

Treatments tested in this trial

  • Resistance Training

    Other intervention

    Progressive resistance training program including upper body (chest press), back (lat pulldown), abdominal (crunch), and lower body (squat) exercises. Performed 3 times per week for 8 weeks. Each session includes warm-up (10 min), main exercises (30 min), and cool-down (10 min). Intensity: 60-85% of 1RM, progressing weekly.

  • Electrical Muscle Stimulation

    Device

    Electrical muscle stimulation applied to biceps brachii, abdominals, back, and quadriceps muscles using a commercial EMS device. Parameters: frequency 35-70 Hz, pulse duration 100 μs, pulse period 50 ms, electrode size 150 × 240 mm. Performed 3 times per week for 8 weeks, 15 minutes per session. Intensity progressively increased based on participant tolerance.

  • No Intervention

    Other intervention

    Participants in the control group receive no exercise intervention during the 8-week study period.

Treatment groups

42 Participants
are divided into 3 treatment groups
Group A: Resistance TrainingActive comparator 1 intervention
Group B: Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS)Experimental treatment 1 intervention
Group C: ControlOther 1 intervention

Trial outcomes

Primary outcomes

1

Change in Phase Angle (PhA) as a Cellular Health Index

Phase angle (PhA) measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis (Inbody770). PhA is calculated as the ratio of reactance (Xc) to resistance (R) and serves as an indicator of cellular health, membrane integrity, and cell function.

Time frame
Measured at baseline (before intervention) and 48 hours after the last training session (week 8).

Secondary outcomes

1

Change in Serum Superoxide Dismutase (SOD)

Serum SOD level measured using ELISA kit. SOD is an antioxidant enzyme that catalyzes the dismutation of superoxide radical into oxygen and hydrogen peroxide.

Time frame
Measured at baseline (before intervention) and 48 hours after the last training session (week 8).
2

Change in Upper Body Strength (Bench Press 1RM)

Maximum strength of the upper body measured using the bench press 1-repetition maximum (1RM) test.

Time frame
Measured at baseline (before intervention) and 48 hours after the last training session (week 8).
3

Change in Lower Body Strength (Squat 1RM)

Maximum strength of the lower body measured using the squat 1-repetition maximum (1RM) test.

Time frame
Measured at baseline (before intervention) and 48 hours after the last training session (week 8).
4

Change in Upper Body Muscular Endurance (Push-Up Test)

Upper body muscular endurance assessed using the push-up test. The number of correct push-ups performed within 60 seconds is recorded.

Time frame
Measured at baseline (before intervention) and 48 hours after the last training session (week 8).

Other outcomes

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