Effect of Whole-Body Electromyostimulation Training on Glycemic Control in People With Prediabetes: Protocol for a
Mahdieh Shojaa1, Katharina Knaub1, Norbert Schmitz1
1Department of Population-Based Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
JMIR Research Protocols
|June 24, 2025
Summary
Whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) may help sedentary adults with prediabetes manage blood sugar. This pilot study is testing WB-EMS as a novel approach to improve glycemic control and prevent type 2 diabetes.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Metabolic Health
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Prediabetes increases type 2 diabetes risk; weight management is key.
- Sedentary lifestyles limit traditional exercise adoption.
- Whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) offers exercise-like benefits via electrical muscle stimulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To pilot procedures for a randomized controlled trial.
- To test WB-EMS training's preliminary efficacy on glycemic changes.
- To assess WB-EMS in sedentary adults with prediabetes.
Main Methods:
- 60 sedentary adults (40-65 years) with prediabetes randomized into 3 groups.
- Intervention groups received WB-EMS (1.5x20 min/week) plus activity tracker and lifestyle education, or activity tracker and education only, or education only.
- Study duration is 16 weeks; primary outcomes include recruitment and adherence, with hemoglobin A1c as the main efficacy measure.
Main Results:
- Participant recruitment began February 2024 and is ongoing.
- As of October 2024, 42 participants were allocated to study groups.
- Recruitment completion is anticipated by July 2025.
Conclusions:
- This pilot trial will inform future studies comparing WB-EMS to traditional exercise.
- Results will guide the design of larger trials on WB-EMS for glycemic control in prediabetes.
- Evidence will support WB-EMS as a potential intervention for diabetes prevention.
