Articles
Publication Date: 2025
Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness (18271928)65(6)pp. 811-818
BACKGROUND: Skeletal muscles constitute approximately 40% of our body mass, performing crucial roles in mobility, metabolism, and heat generation. This study delves into the impact of whole body-electrical muscle stimulation (WB-EMS) training on muscle growth and anabolic factors in individuals grappling with excess weight. A cohort of 30 participants was randomly assigned to an EMS group and a control group. METHODS: The EMS group adhered to a training regimen involving a whole-body EMS device engineered to concurrently and independently stimulate various body regions. This innovative apparatus administered a bipolar electric current with a pulse frequency of 85 Hz, a pulse width spanning 350 µs, and a rectangular waveform featuring a 0.4-second ramp. Stimulation patterns oscillated between 6 seconds of activation and 4 seconds of rest. The device precisely targeted the legs, anterior and posterior thighs, arms, buttocks, abdomen, chest, and lower and upper back while covering a substantial area of 2600 cm2. The training program included 24 WB-EMS sessions conducted over 8 weeks. There were 3 training sessions per week, each lasting 20 minutes. A dedicated rest day was scheduled between sessions to facilitate recovery and adaptation. RESULTS: The results showed that exercise training significantly reduced Body Mass Index (BMI) (P<0.0001) and significantly improved cholesterol levels (P<0.0016), including reductions in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (P<0.0146) and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) (P<0.0003). Along with an increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (P<0.0238). In addition, the study showed an increase in growth hormone levels (P<0.0001) along with a decrease in cortisol levels (P<0.0008) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) (P<0.0187). CONCLUSIONS: Consequently, EMS training emerges as a time-efficient and effective alternative to conventional exercise routines, enhancing skeletal muscle function. © 2025 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA.
Publication Date: 2024
International Journal Of Preventive Medicine (20088213)15
Background: Irisin, a myokine that is responsive to exercise, induces significant changes in subcutaneous adipose tissue. By promoting the browning of white fat tissue, it enhances energy expenditure, thereby addressing overweight and obesity. This systematic review and meta‑analysis aimed to compare the effects of different types of physical exercises on irisin levels in overweight and obese adults. Methods: Specifically, the review focused on studies involving obese or overweight individuals who participated in exercise training for a minimum of 8 weeks, with measured and reported changes in serum irisin levels compared to a control group. Data were collected from four databases (Google Scholar, ISI Web of Science Core Collection, PubMed, and Scopus). The risk of bias was assessed using the Begg and Egger tests, and the results were synthesized. Results: Initial searches identified 560 titles, out of which only seven met the criteria for inclusion in the systematic review. Statistical analysis demonstrated a significant increase in serum irisin concentration (SMD = 0.957, P = 0.005) among obese and overweight individuals who engaged in exercise, compared to the passive control group. High‑intensity interval training (HIIT) (SMD = 1.229, P < 0.001) had a more pronounced effect on increasing serum irisin levels than other exercise protocols. Furthermore, the effectiveness of exercise varied based on the participants’ weight status (significant changes for overweight individuals; P < 0.001 and insignificant changes for obese individuals; P = 0.1), age (significant changes for those under 40 years old; P < 0.001 and insignificant changes for those over 40 years old; P = 0.322), and gender (significant changes for men; P < 0.001 and insignificant changes for women; P = 0.285). Conclusions: Consequently, exercise can elevate serum irisin levels, leading to alterations in adipose tissue phenotype and thermogenesis, ultimately contributing to weight reduction in obese and overweight individuals. © 2024 International Journal of Preventive Medicine.
Publication Date: 2024
Journal of Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome (25086235)33(3)pp. 270-274
Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of whole-body electrical muscle stimulation (WB-EMS) training on inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in overweight men. Methods: We divided 30 participants into EMS and control groups. The training program for the EMS group comprised 20 WB-EMS sessions (7 weeks, three sessions per week). Results: The results showed that EMS training caused significant increase in interferon γ (P<0.001) and interleukin 10 (IL-10; P<0.01) and significant decrease in IL-17 and IL-23 (P<0.05). Also, the lipid profile showed significant positive changes in the EMS training group. Conclusion: EMS training, a novel exercise method that uses electric stimulation, can affect the levels of various cytokines that are involved in inflammation and immunity. EMS training can have both beneficial and harmful effects on the body depending on the type and balance of involved cytokines. © 2024 Korean Society for the Study of Obesity.
Publication Date: 2022
Biology (20797737)11(2)
Our study examined the effect of 8 weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and spirulina supplementation on the humoral immunity, cardio-respiratory fitness, and body composition of overweight and obese women. Thirty sedentary women (height: 161.7 ± 2.8 cm, body mass: 75.8 ± 8.4 kg, body mass index [BMI]: 28.8 ± 2.5 kg/m2, age: 25.1 ± 6.7 years) were divided into three groups: placebo with HIIT group, spirulina group (SG), or combined group (CG). Exercise groups performed HIIT for 8 weeks, with three sessions per week and four to seven repetitions in each session of 30 s running and 30 s walking; the intensity was established at 90% of the maximum heart rate. Supplementation groups received 6 g of spirulina powder per day. Fasting blood samples were collected before and after 8 weeks to determine the concentrations of immunoglobulins (IgA and IgG). There was a significant group-by-time interaction for fat free mass (FFM; p = 0.001, f = 8.52, ηp2 = 0.39) and IgA (p = 0.036, f = 3.86, ηp2 = 0.22). The post hoc analysis revealed that CG reduced FFM significantly (p = 0.012, g = −0.55) after training. CG and SG showed significantly greater IgA concentrations after 8 weeks (p = 0.02, g = 0.70 and p = 0.001, g = 0.34, respectively). We conclude that spirulina supplementation with HIIT affects the body composition (lower FFM) but also boosts IgA, which plays an important role in the immune system. © 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
Publication Date: 2022
Human Movement (17323991)23(3)pp. 120-129
Purpose. The study investigated the effect of active recovery (Ar) and cold-water immersion (CWI) recovery strategies on the speed of recovery after small-sided games (SSGs) in soccer players. Methods. A crossover design was employed to divide 24 male soccer players from a first division Iranian National League (age: 22.3 ± 2.6 years) into 4 experimental conditions: active-active, active-CWI, CWI-active, and CWI-CWI. Heart rate (Hr) variations (standard deviation of normal r-r intervals [SDNN], log-transformed root mean square of successive r-r intervals [lnrMSSD]) and self-reported indices (Hooper questionnaire and rate of perceived exertion [rPE]) were measured. Twenty-four hours after SSGs, the players performed one of the recovery strategies. Forty-eight hours after the session, they completed a 20-m sprint test; changes were compared with baseline. Results. A significant difference in SDNN Hr variations between Ar and CWI recovery strategies (F= 4.86, p = 0.03, 2 = 0.31) was noted. regarding within-experimental condition changes (F = 60.82, p = 0.001, 2 = 0.85), significant differences were detected when comparing data recorded before SSGs and immediately after SSGs (p = 0.001), as well as for data recorded before SSGs and immediately after recovery (p = 0.001). There was also a significant difference in lnrMSSD Hr variations when Ar and CWI were compared (F = 2.41, p = 0.033, 2 = 0.29). Within-experimental condition changes (F = 127.9, p = 0.001, 2 = 0.74) indicated significant differences between data recorded before SSGs and immediately after SSGs (p = 0.001), as well as between data recorded before SSGs and immediately after recovery (p = 0.001). No significant difference was found between the SDNN index of Hr variability for different recoveries (p= 0.055, 2 = 0.07). Moreover, no significant differences were noted between recovery strategies in terms of Hooper index (p = 0.832, 2 = 0.11), rPE (p = 0.41, 2 = 0.06), or 20-m sprint test (p = 0.78, 2 = 0.02). Conclusions. CWI showed a greater effect than Ar in restoring the impaired vagal-related Hr variability indices observed immediately after SSGs. However, no advantage was observed between the recovery strategies. © Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences
