Effect of a Training Program on Hepatic Fat Content and Cardiometabolic Risk in Postmenopausal Women: The Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

This 10-week randomized controlled trial investigates the effects of two different training modalities on hepatic fat content and cardiometabolic risk in sedentary postmenopausal women. Besides, alterations in physical fitness, hepatic fat content, and cardiometabolic risk will be associated with changes in those blood parameters that are usually modifiable by exercise training. Postmenopausal women (N = 32; ~61 years) were randomly assigned to one of the following treatment groups; (1) based on international exercise recommendations (EX group; n = 16), (2) exercise plus whole-body electromyostimulation (EX+EMS group; n = 16). Cardiometabolic risk score was calculated based on the international diabetes federation’s clinical criteria. Hepatic fat content was estimated using the fatty liver index. After the intervention, the cardiometabolic risk and the fatty liver index decreased, showing a higher impact on EX + WB-EMS. Physical fitness was assessed through aerobic and strength tests belonging to “Eurofit Testing Battery”. In all of them, significant differences were observed (p < 0.001), though EX+ EMS experienced better improvements (p < 0.05). In conclusion, a 10-week exercise training program, especially with WB-EMS, triggered improvements in physical fitness and reduced cardiometabolic risk and hepatic fat content in sedentary postmenopausal women.

The Effect of Whole-Body Electromyostimulation Program on Physical Performance and Selected Cardiometabolic Markers in Obese Young Females

“…These discrepancies might stem from differences in participant characteristics, such as gender, weight status, the duration and intensity of WB-EMS training, dietary habits, and other factors [42]. Our findings align with the hypothesis that combined electrical stimulation training enhances lipid oxidation, emphasizing triglycerides as a primary energy source for such training [41].…”

“…A similar study by Reljic, Konturek, Herrmann, Neurath, and Zopf [33] found a noteworthy reduction in triglycerides following a 12-week WB-EMS program among obese women. In another study, a 10-week WB-EMS intervention showed positive effects on the lipid profiles of healthy sedentary women [41]. In contrast, Park, Na, Choi, Seon, and Do [18] reported no significant improvement in lipid profiles after a 6-week WB-EMS regimen in young women.…”

Gender Differences in Perceived Barriers and Benefitsof Whole-Body Electromyostimulation Users: A Pilot Study

“…There is no relationship between the perceived benefits and the gender of the participants. Between genders, statistically significant differences were only found in the perceived benefit of "Prevent myocardial infarction", with a higher proportion in men than in women [20].…”

“…Clinical trials with WB-EMS show benefits in the reduction of low back pain by improving quality of life [13,14], obesity treatment [15,16], osteoporosis and osteopenia [17,18], diabetics [19] and patients with cardio-metabolic risk [20]. Athletes have also benefited from the use of this technology, improving their performance [21][22][23] as well as the general population seeking to improve their well-being and body composition [24,25].…”

Effectiveness and Safety of Whole-Body Electromyostimulation on Musculoskeletal Diseases in Middle Aged-Older Adults – A Systematic Review

“…Outcomes related to rhabdomyolysis were determined by several studies. Changes of creatine-kinase, myoglobin and other markers of muscle damage were reported by eight of the included studies (6,7,13,14,19,20,22,24). Two trials (19,30) reported significant post-intervention CK raises.…”