Imagine if your muscles could get a workout without you even moving! That’s exactly what researchers wanted to investigate in this study. They looked at the effects of a technique called Whole-Body Electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) on Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients. WB-EMS uses electrical stimulation to activate muscles and improve strength and endurance. The study randomly assigned PD patients to three groups: high-frequency WB-EMS strength training, low-frequency WB-EMS aerobic training, and an inactive control group. Over 12 weeks, the participants in the two experimental groups underwent 24 WB-EMS training sessions. The researchers measured various biomarkers, physical performance, and fatigue levels before and after the training. They found that the low-frequency aerobic training group had the most positive outcomes. These participants saw increases in a growth factor called BDNF and improvements in physical performance and fatigue levels. On the other hand, the high-frequency strength training group had some negative effects on BDNF levels. The control group showed a decrease in BDNF over time. This study provides valuable insights into the potential benefits of WB-EMS for Parkinson’s patients, but more research is needed to fully understand the optimal training protocols and long-term effects.
BackgroundWhole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) was never previously applied to Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients. This randomized controlled study aimed to find the most effective and safe WB-EMS training protocol for this population.MethodsTwenty-four subjects (age: 72.13 ± 6.20 years), were randomly assigned to three groups: a high-frequency WB-EMS strength training group (HFG) (rectangular stimulation at 85 Hz, 350 μs, 4 s stimulation/4 s rest), a low-frequency WB-EMS aerobic training group (LFG) (rectangular stimulation 7 Hz, 350 μs, with a continuous pulse duration), and an inactive control group (CG). Participants of the two experimental groups underwent 24 controlled WB-EMS training sessions, with a duration of 20 min each, during 12-week intervention. Serum growth factors (BDNF, FGF-21, NGF and proNGF), α-synuclein, physical performance and Parkinson’s Disease Fatigue Scale (PFS-16) responses were analyzed to evaluate the pre-post variation and differences among groups.ResultsSignificant interactions of Time*Groups were detected for BDNF (Time*Groups p = 0.024; Time*CG, b = −628, IC95% = −1,082/−174, p = 0.008), FGF-21 (Time*Groups p = 0.009; Time*LFG b = 1,346, IC95% = 423/2268, p = 0.005), and α-synuclein (Time*Groups p = 0.019; Time*LFG b = −1,572, IC95% = −2,952/−192, p = 0.026). Post hoc analyses and comparisons of ΔS (post–pre), performed independently for each group, showed that LFG increased serum BDNF levels (+ 203 pg/ml) and decreased α-synuclein levels (−1,703 pg/ml), while HFG showed the opposite effects (BDNF: −500 pg/ml; α-synuclein: + 1,413 pg/ml). CG showed a significant BDNF reduction over time. Both LFG and HFG showed significant improvements in several physical performance outcomes and the LFG showed better results than HFG. Concerning PFS-16, significant differences over time (b = −0.4, IC95% = −0.8/−0.0, p = 0.046) and among groups (among all groups p < 0.001) were found, and the LFG exhibited better results than the HFG (b = −1.0, IC95% = −1.3/−0.7, p < 0.001), and CG (b = −1.7, IC95% = −2.0/−1.4, p < 0.001) with this last one that worsened over time.ConclusionLFG training was the best choice for improving or maintaining physical performance, fatigue perception and variation in serum biomarkers.Clinical trial registrationhttps://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04878679, identifier NCT04878679.
Dr. David Lowemann, M.Sc, Ph.D., is a co-founder of the Institute for the Future of Human Potential, where he leads the charge in pioneering Self-Enhancement Science for the Success of Society. With a keen interest in exploring the untapped potential of the human mind, Dr. Lowemann has dedicated his career to pushing the boundaries of human capabilities and understanding.
Armed with a Master of Science degree and a Ph.D. in his field, Dr. Lowemann has consistently been at the forefront of research and innovation, delving into ways to optimize human performance, cognition, and overall well-being. His work at the Institute revolves around a profound commitment to harnessing cutting-edge science and technology to help individuals lead more fulfilling and intelligent lives.
Dr. Lowemann’s influence extends to the educational platform BetterSmarter.me, where he shares his insights, findings, and personal development strategies with a broader audience. His ongoing mission is shaping the way we perceive and leverage the vast capacities of the human mind, offering invaluable contributions to society’s overall success and collective well-being.