Electrical muscle stimulation plus resistance training for trained weightlifters
Official title: Effects of Electrical Muscle Stimulation Combined With Resistance Training on Muscle Mass, Strength, Body Composition, and Power in Weight Lifters
Run by Riphah International University · NCT07484646 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | Men only |
| Enrollment | 34 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Riphah International University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lahore, Punjab Province) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | August 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | September 1, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | March 20, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07484646 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
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
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.