Efficacy of Whole-body Electromyostimulation Training for Pre-diabetes

Efficacy of Whole-body Electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) Training on Glycemic Control in People With Prediabetes: a Randomized Controlled Pilot-study

Not applicable Interventional University Hospital Tuebingen · NCT06188481

This study is testing if whole-body electromyostimulation training can help sedentary adults aged 40-65 with pre-diabetes improve their blood sugar levels and overall health.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages40 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital Tuebingen Academic / other
Locations1 site (Tübingen, Baden-Württemberg)
Trial IDNCT06188481 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) training in sedentary adults aged 40-65 with pre-diabetes. Participants will be randomly assigned to an intervention group receiving WB-EMS training or one of two control groups. The study will last for 16 weeks, during which participants will also engage in a lifestyle education program and use an activity tracker to monitor their physical activity. The primary outcomes will include changes in HbA1c levels and other health biomarkers.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are sedentary adults aged 40-65 with elevated HbA1c levels and no diabetes.

Not a fit: Patients with diabetes type 2, significant heart conditions, or cognitive impairments may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could help improve glycemic control and overall health in individuals with pre-diabetes.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of WB-EMS for pre-diabetes is novel, similar interventions have shown promise in improving metabolic health in other populations.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* community-dwelling sedentary (\<20 min physical activity on \<3 days/week) men and women aged 40-65 years without Diabetes Type 2
* elevated HbA1c levels (5.7%-6.4%),
* not functionally impaired (Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) ≥10)
* signed informed consent
* consent to use the WB-EMS and activity tracker

Exclusion Criteria:

* high-grade arrhythmia/VHF/SM carriers, heart failure \>NYHA2, nephropathy (GFR\<60),
* cognitive impairment
* Diabetes Type 2

Where this trial is running

Tübingen, Baden-Württemberg

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Pre-diabetes
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.