Lower-body electrical muscle stimulation to improve muscle and vascular health in postmenopausal women
Effects of Lower Body Electrical Muscle Stimulation Training on Body Composition, Muscle Function, and Arteriosclerosis Markers in Postmenopausal Women
This tries to see if adding lower-body electrical muscle stimulation to resistance exercises helps postmenopausal women improve muscle mass, strength, and blood vessel stiffness over six weeks.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 39 (estimated) |
| Ages | 50 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Seoul National University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Seoul, Seoul) |
| Trial ID | NCT07385534 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized interventional study enrolls sedentary postmenopausal women aged 50–70 and assigns them to lower-body EMS plus resistance training, resistance training alone, or a no-intervention control for six weeks. Investigators will measure body composition, muscle function, blood pressure, and markers of arterial stiffness and arteriosclerosis before and after the intervention. EMS is delivered via a lower-body suit during resistance exercises to test whether electrical stimulation provides added or time-efficient benefits compared with conventional resistance training. Outcomes will compare physiological and functional changes across the three groups to determine efficacy and feasibility in this population.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Sedentary postmenopausal women aged 50–70 who can safely perform lower-body resistance exercises and do not have contraindicated implanted electrical devices are appropriate candidates.
Not a fit: Women with implanted electrical devices, uncontrolled cardiovascular disease, severe chronic illnesses, recent major surgery, or inability to perform the required exercises are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If effective, combining EMS with resistance exercise could provide a time-efficient way to boost muscle mass and reduce arterial stiffness in postmenopausal women.
How similar studies have performed: Prior small studies indicate EMS can increase muscle mass and strength, but evidence on vascular outcomes and benefits specifically in postmenopausal women remains limited and mixed.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Post-menopausal women (defined as cessation of menstruation for at least 12 months). * Aged between 50 and 70 years. * Sedentary lifestyle (no participation in regular resistance training programs within the last 6 months). * Able to perform lower body resistance exercise with LB-EMS suit. * Willing to participate in the study and provide informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Contraindications for WB-EMS: Presence of implanted electrical devices (e.g., pacemakers, defibrillators), severe bleeding disorders (e.g., hemophilia), abdominal/inguinal hernia, or history of surgery within the last 6 months (including stent insertion). * Severe Chronic Diseases: Diagnosis of severe cardiovascular (e.g., MI, heart failure, arrhythmia), renal, neurological (e.g., epilepsy), or oncological diseases (currently undergoing treatment). * Uncontrolled Cardiovascular Conditions: Uncontrolled hypertension or severe arterial circulatory disorders. * Confounding Medications: Current use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopause or medications for severe psychiatric disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety). * Acute Conditions \& Others: Acute infection/inflammation, influence of alcohol/drugs, or any other condition deemed unsuitable by the investigator.
Where this trial is running
Seoul, Seoul
- Seoul National University — Seoul, Seoul, South Korea (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Yeon Soo Kim, MD — Seoul National University
- Study coordinator: Kyungho Kim, MS
- Email: 2007kkh@snu.ac.kr
- Phone: 82 + 010-3589-8202
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.