Effects of whole-body electromyostimulation on health indicators of older people: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials

Objective: to provide evidence for the effects of whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) on health-related outcomes compared to the effects of minimal or non-intervention for older people in the short/medium/long term.& nbsp;Data sources: seven databases (MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, CINAHL, Scopus, SPORTDiscuss and Web of Science) were electronically searched in April 2020 and updated in March 2021.& nbsp;Study selection: included studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving WB-EMS that assessed effects on health-related outcomes, risks and adverse events in older people (> 60 years).& nbsp;Data extraction: the following data were obtained: author and publication year, follow-up, detailed information of older characteristics, current parameters/intensity and outcomes. Data synthesis: a random effects model was used with effect size reported as SMD. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 test.& nbsp;Results: 13 RCTs met the eligibility criteria. Meta-analysis found: large effects of WB-EMS on reducing sarcopenia Z-score (ES: 1.44[-2.02: 0.87] p= <.01) and improving isometric strength leg extensors (ES: 0.81[0.41: 1.21] p= <.01) at medium and long-term, respectively. Moderate effects of WB-EMS on improving handgrip strength (ES: 0.58[0.23: 0.92] p= <.01) and habitual gait speed (ES: 0.69[0.31: 1.07] p= <.01) at medium-term and improving appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ES:0.69 [0.30: 1.09] p= <.01) at long-term. Non-significant effect of WB-EMS on waist circumference (p = .17) and triglycerides (p = .20) at medium-term. Non-significant effects of WB-EMS on improving creatine kinase concentrations, C-reactive protein, and interleukin 6 at medium-term.& nbsp;Conclusions: This review provides further evidence for significant, moderate to large effect sizes of WBEMS on sarcopenia, muscle mass and strength parameters, but not on waist circumference and triglycerides.& nbsp; (C)& nbsp;2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.