Impact of whole-body electromyostimulation on energy metabolism in adults

Abstract

Lack of time and the low motivation to exercise are the two main barriers for not being physically active. In recent decades, new training methodologies have emerged in order to, precisely, counteract these two problems. These new methodologies, which are thought to increase the intensity of exercise while reducing the volume of training, seem to offer the same or even better results compared to the more traditional programs. One tool that allows this increment of intensity is whole-body electromyostimulation (WBEMS). The administration of electrical impulses through an artificial device increases the amount of skeletal muscle recruited, thus, elevating total energy expenditure during a training session. However, the electrical parameters used to optimize energy metabolism during a training session are currently unknown. The overall aim of the present Doctoral Thesis is to investigate the effects of WBEMS applied in different situations (i.e., at rest and during exercise) on energy metabolism and nutrients oxidation in young adults. The results of the present Doctoral Thesis showed that the manipulation of electrical parameters plays a key role in energy metabolism kinetics. Our findings demonstrated that the application of different electrical frequencies and intensities can optimize the effects of WB-EMS on energy expenditure both at rest and during exercise. We found that 4 Hz at rest and 6 Hz during exercise are the optimal frequencies to increase the benefits of WB-EMS. Our data showed an increment of ≈ 604% in energy expenditure at rest and ≈ 44% during uphill walking (study I). Likewise, it was shown that the addition of WB-EMS to a basic physical activity recommendation (i.e., the recommended daily 10,000 steps per day) produces a significant increase (≈ 21%) in energy expenditure (study II). In conclusion, this Doctoral Thesis shows that WB-EMS is an effective tool to increase energy expenditure at rest and during exercise. Moreover, WB-EMS is able to modify substrate oxidation in both conditions. Therefore, WB-EMS should be considered a promising therapy to help energy balance’ management.