Electrical muscle stimulation plus resistance training for trained weightlifters
Effects of Electrical Muscle Stimulation Combined With Resistance Training on Muscle Mass, Strength, Body Composition, and Power in Weight Lifters
NA · Riphah International University · NCT07484646
This study will test whether adding electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) to regular resistance training helps trained male weightlifters gain more muscle, strength, power, and improved body composition over eight weeks.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 34 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | Male |
| Sponsor | Riphah International University (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Lahore, Punjab Province) |
| Trial ID | NCT07484646 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled trial will enroll trained male weightlifters aged 18–40 and randomly assign them to either supervised resistance training alone or resistance training combined with surface electrical muscle stimulation (EMS). Participants will train three times per week for eight weeks, with EMS applied during the exercise sessions for the combined group. Outcome measures for muscle mass, strength, body composition, and power will be collected at baseline, four weeks, and eight weeks. The protocol aims to determine whether EMS produces additional training adaptations beyond conventional resistance exercise in a trained athletic population.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are medically cleared male weightlifters or strength athletes aged 18–40 who have been resistance training at least three times per week for at least one year.
Not a fit: People with neuromuscular disorders, cardiac pacemakers or other implanted electronic devices, recent musculoskeletal injuries, skin sensitivity to electrodes, or those who are untrained or female (since the trial enrolls trained men only) are unlikely to benefit from or be eligible for this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, adding EMS could provide trained athletes modest additional gains in muscle size, strength, power, or body composition compared with resistance training alone.
How similar studies have performed: Prior EMS research shows mixed results—with some studies and meta-analyses reporting small-to-moderate additional gains when EMS is added, but evidence in well-trained athletes is limited and inconsistent.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Male participants aged 18-40 years * Resistance training ≥3 times/week for at least 1 year * Active participation in weightlifting, bodybuilding, or strength athletics * Medically cleared for physical activity Exclusion Criteria: * Neuromuscular disorders * Cardiac pacemaker or implantable electronic device * Recent musculoskeletal injury (within the last 6 months) * Skin sensitivity or allergy to EMS electrodes
Where this trial is running
Lahore, Punjab Province
- Punjab Sports Board — Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Aifa Zeenat, MS* — Riphah International University
- Study coordinator: Danish Hassan, PhD
- Email: danish.hassan009@gmail.com
- Phone: 03457946009
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Body Composition, Muscle Mass, Muscle Strength, Resistance Training, Electrical Muscle Stimulation