Acute Effects of Combining Whole-Body Electromyostimulation with Resistance Training in Active Women

Abstract: Strength training elicits benefits both in performance and on a psychological level in women,
such as increased muscle strength and improved self-esteem. Whole-body electromyostimulation
(WB-EMS) could be a training strategy for enhancing muscular strength. The aim of this study was to
assess the acute effects of a single session of WB-EMS superimposed over classic resistance training
on isometric strength, endurance strength and flexibility. Furthermore, the safety of the protocol
was assessed by monitoring the levels of creatine kinase (CK) 48 h after the training protocol was
completed. Sixteen active women (aged 22.06 ± 1.88) were randomly assigned to an experimental
group (EG) (n = 8) and a control group (CG) (n = 8). The EG performed four sets of 12 repetitions of
three strength exercises with superimposed WB-EMS, while the CG performed the same protocol
without WB-EMS. RM-ANOVA showed a significant time*group interaction on posterior kinetic
chain extensors’ mean and peak strength in the EG (F(1,14) = 10.036; p = 0.007; and F(1,14) = 20.719;
p < 0.001 ; respectively). A significant time*group interaction was found in the sit and reach test for
the EG (F(1,14) = 10.362; p = 0.006). Finally, ANOVA performed on the CK levels showed no significant
difference between the groups (F(1,14) = 0.715; p = 0.412). WB-EMS training led to an immediate
improvement in strength performance and flexibility, and this protocol was shown to be safe in terms
of CK levels, 48 h after completing the training protocol.