Zusammenfassung
Studienziel
Ziel der TEST-Studienreihe ist es, Effektivität, Applikabilität und Attraktivität der zeiteffektiven Trainingstechnologie Ganzkörper-Elektromyostimulation (WB-EMS) auf muskulo skelettale Risikofaktoren des älteren Menschen zu evaluieren.
Ergebnisse
Grundsätzlich bestätigen alle bisherigen TEST-Untersuchungen den signifikanten und hochrelevanten Einfluss des WB-EMS auf muskuläre Parameter bei trainierten und untrainierten älteren Menschen. Weniger eindeutig ist der Effekt des WB-EMS auf die Knochendichte (BMD). Trotz Auswahl einer Gruppe mit niedriger BMD und geringer Sportaffinität zeigt WB-EMS nur grenzwertig signifikante Effekte für die BMD an der LWS. Bindungskriterien wie Drop-out und Anwesenheit liegen etwas günstiger als bei konventionellen Sportprogrammen, ein Faktor, zu dem der hohe personelle Betreuungs-schlüssel (1 : 2 bis 1 : 4) beiträgt.
Schlussfolgerung
Obwohl WB-EMS nicht als vollwertige Alternative zu komplexen Allroundtrainingsprogrammen zur Frakturprophylaxe gelten kann, ist diese Trainingstechnologie ein vielversprechendes “Tool”, Menschen, die aus verschiedenen Gründen konventionelle Sportangebote nicht durchführen können (oder möchten), zu mehr eigenverantwort licher, muskuloskelettaler Prävention zu animieren.
Summary
Introduction
The most effective strategy to prevent sarcopenia, osteoporosis and related musculo skeletal complaints is a physically active lifestyle, or even more promising, physical exercise. However, due to a variety of reasons the majority of elderly subjects are either unwilling or unable to perform frequent and intense conventional workouts. In this context, Whole-Body-Electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) may be a save, autonomous and efficient option to increase or maintain muscle and bone mass, and to favorably affect fat accumulation.
Objective
Thus, the primary aim of the TEST (Training and Electromyostimulation Trial) study series is to determine the effect of WB-EMS-application on musculoskeletal parameters in trained and untrained subjects, 60 years and older. While TEST I, TEST II and TEST V focus exclusively on body composition with special regard to muscle mass and function, TEST III further addresses Bone Mineral Density (BMD) in a cohort of osteopenic females, 70 years and older, with a low livelong sport affinity.
Results
In summary, WB-EMS showed significant positive effects on muscle mass, strength and power as well as on total and abdominal fat accumulation. With respect to muscle mass and, with some limitation, to muscular function, positive changes generated by WB-EMS were comparable to the effects of conventional resistance exercise training reported for elderly subjects. However, despite the apparently close muscle/ bone interaction the WB-EMS effect on BMD was rather limited. Compared with a slightly active control group the WB-EMS application resulted in borderline significant effects only at the lumbar spine. In this context, the most favorable current composition (i. e. frequency, intensity, type) and application (i. e. active, passive) of WB-EMS to induce bone adaptation have still to be determined. With respect to feasibility, WB-EMS-application was highly accepted by all cohorts tested, which is substantiated by positive attendance, adherence and dropout rates. This, however, may be at least partially related to the exclusivity of this technology.
Conclusion
In summary, considering the good acceptance of this technology by non-sportive elderly cohorts at risk for sarcopenia, obesity, and osteoporosis, WB-EMS should be considered as an efficient, less off-putting option for subjects unwilling or unable to exercise conventionally to improve muscle and bone mass and function.
Schlüsselwörter Ganzkörper-Elektromyostimulation - EMS - Mus kel - Knochen
Keywords Whole-Body-Electromyostimulation - EMS - mus cle - bone
