Effects of Whole-Body Electromyostimulation and Resistance Training on Body Composition and Maximal Strength in Trained Women

Purpose: to investigate the effect of WB-EMS training and resistance training on body composition and maximal strength in trained women. Material and methods: 30 trained women (with a mean age of 25.70 ± 2.27 years, height of 1.63 ± 0.032 m, and weight of 60.46 ± 5.50 kg) were randomly divided into three groups of ten (WB-EMS training, strength training (ST), and control group (CG)). The training program was performed for 6 weeks and two sessions per week (WB-EMS: 20 minutes, 85 Hz, 350 µs, 6 s pulse duration, 4 s rest; and ST: 1-RM 60-80%, 3 sets, 8-12 repeats, 50-90 s rest between each set). In all three groups, BF%, LBM and Maximal Strength were measured before and after the training period. Results: Intragroup comparison in WB-EMS group showed a significant difference in BF% and LBM (P ≤ 0.05); while in the intergroup comparison, no significant difference was observed between the WB-EMS group and CG. Also in ST group, BF% and LBM values did not show any significant changes. There was also a significant difference in Maximal Strength in the intragroup comparison between both WB-EMS and ST groups and a significant difference between the WB-EMS group and CG and between ST group and CG in the intragroup comparison after the test (P ≤ 0.05); while there was no significant difference between WB-EMS and ST groups. Conclusions: According to the findings, it can be concluded that both types of exercise can improve maximal strength, although each of these exercises has its own benefits.