💬In plain words
What the trial is, and whether it could suit you
During this pilot study, the investigators will examine the effects of whole-body electrical muscle stimulation exercise (WB-EMS Exercise) on motoneuronal activation in healthy adults, which typically decreases with age. The investigators will also test whether WB-EMS Exercise will improve measures of physical function. Participants will undergo clinical and electrophysiologic testing before and after the WB-EMS Exercise intervention. The WB-EMS Exercise intervention will be delivered two times per week for four weeks. The hypothesis is that whole-body electrical muscle stimulation combined with physical exercise (WB-EMS Exercise) could bypass the problem of insufficient motoneuronal activation to improve exercise effect in older adults.
Sign in to get the eligibility rules as simple questions to take to your doctor.
📋 Eligibility rules (as published)
Inclusion Criteria:
* Age (65 years or older) for healthy older adults and between 18-39 for healthy younger adults
* Ambulatory without an assistive device
* More than anti-gravity strength in major muscle groups as assessed by manual muscle testing
* Medical clearance to participate in an exercise program
* Ability to conform to the requirements of the study (i.e. attendance at assessment and intervention visits, maintain current level of non-study physical activity for the duration of the study, no intention to relocate mid-study)
Exclusion Criteria:
* Regular use of an assistive device for mobility (i.e. cane, walker, wheelchair)
* Presence of a pacemaker, metal implants, or other implanted medical devices that could impact participant safety during WB-EMS intervention
* Known pregnancy at the time of screening
* Presence of unstable acute or chronic disease (i.e. renal failure, rheumatologic disease cardia arrhythmia, neoplasm, uncontrolled hypertension)
* Presence of terminal disease (i.e. receiving hospice services)
* Current of previous use of any drugs known to influence muscle mass or performance within 6 months; these may include but are not limited to anabolic steroids, IGF01, growth hormone, replacement and androgen therapy, anti-androgen therapy.
* Known neuromuscular or neurologic condition affecting somatosensory or motor function/control (i.e. motor neuron disease, muscle disease, severe peripheral neuropathy, NMJ disease, Parkinson's disease, Multiple Sclerosis, h/o stroke, TBI, SCI, ataxia, apraxia, hemiplegia, etc.)
* Musculoskeletal condition or surgery in the past year that would confound results of exercise interventions (i.e. TKA, THA, RTC repair, spinal fusion)
* Other medical conditions, signs, or symptoms that would interfere with study conduct or interpretation of results as determined by a PI
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