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Effects of aerobic exercise associated with abdominal microcurrent: a preliminary study
Andreia Noites1, Rita Nunes, Ana Isabel Gouveia
11 Department of Physiotherapy, School of Allied Health Technologies, Polytechnic Institute of Porto , Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal .
Summary
Adding microcurrent to aerobic exercise significantly reduced visceral and subcutaneous abdominal fat. These fat loss effects were maintained for at least four weeks post-intervention.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Body Composition Analysis
- Electrophysical Modalities
Background:
- Abdominal fat, particularly visceral fat, is linked to metabolic disease.
- Aerobic exercise is a cornerstone for fat reduction.
- Exploring adjunct therapies to enhance exercise efficacy is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of microcurrent therapy combined with aerobic exercise on abdominal fat.
- To differentiate between short-term and long-term effects.
- To assess changes in visceral and subcutaneous abdominal fat.
Main Methods:
- Randomized controlled trial with 42 female university students.
- Intervention groups received aerobic exercise with varying microcurrent application (transcutaneous/percutaneous, sequential/simultaneous).
- A placebo group performed aerobic exercise with a deactivated microcurrent device.
Main Results:
- Significant reduction in visceral abdominal fat in the microcurrent plus aerobic exercise group compared to placebo.
- Significant reduction in subcutaneous abdominal fat across all intervention groups versus placebo.
- Maintenance of observed fat reduction effects at 4-week follow-up.
Conclusions:
- Microcurrent augmentation of aerobic exercise demonstrates superior fat reduction compared to aerobic exercise alone.
- The findings suggest a potential benefit of microcurrent for body composition management.
- Further research may elucidate optimal parameters for microcurrent application in conjunction with exercise.
