Effect of six weeks of Whole-body Electromyostimulation on resistin and adiponectin levels in overweight individuals

Background Electrical muscle stimulation is a new training technique that enhances physical fitness. Due to economic problems, everyone is looking for ways to get the most benefits in the shortest time. This study examines the effectiveness of 20-minute whole-body electromyostimulation (EMS) on the levels of certain adipokines and lipid profiles in sedentary individuals. Methods Thirty-eight volunteers were randomly divided into three groups (traditional exercise (TE), EMS, and control groups). The EMS consisted of 10 minutes of resistance stimulation (30 Hz, 350 µs, 4 s of strain 6 s rest) and 10 minutes of endurance stimulation (85 Hz, 350 µs, 6 s of strain, 4 s of rest). The TE group performed 10 minutes of traditional resistance training (2 sets, 10 repetitions, 50–60% of one maximum repetition) and 10 minutes of running on a treadmill. Results The ANCOVA indicated that after the intervention, the EMS group had significant improvements in body mass (ηp²=0.53), BMI (ηp²=0.54), fat percentage (ηp²=0.62), aerobic fitness (ηp²=0.46) and adiponectin levels (ηp²=0.60) levels compared to the other two groups. In addition, in comparison to the C group, both training groups demonstrated substantial improvements in subcutaneous fat (arm: ηp²=0.58 and abdomen ηp²=0.55), sit-ups (ηp²=0.38) push-ups (ηp²=0.55), resistin level (ηp²=0.42) and in lipid profiles (cholesterol (ηp²=0.31), triglyceride (ηp²=0.49), LDL (ηp²=0.31) and HDL (ηp²=0.49) levels). Conclusion 20-minute EMS is more effective in improving lipid profile, adipokines levels, and physical fitness than traditional exercise training. Therefore, this exercise model is time-saving and recommended for overweight individuals.