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Effect of Whole-Body Electromyostimulation Training on Glycemic Control in People With Prediabetes: Protocol for a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial Study

Shojaa M, Knaub K, Schmitz N, Nieß AM, Munz B, Rau S, Feit V, Mphepo W, Dingler R, Kemmler W (2025)

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Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2025

Journal

Book Volume: 14

Article Number: e68761

DOI: 10.2196/68761

Abstract

Background: Diabetes prevention programs focus on people with prediabetes because they have a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus than people with normal blood glucose levels. Weight management can reduce this risk. However, in our largely sedentary society, there is less enthusiasm for regular exercise. Whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) is a training technology that provides exercise-like effects by inducing muscle contractions using electrical currents. There is evidence that local EMS can improve glucose metabolism. Several studies investigated the effect of WB-EMS on cardiometabolic risk factors including blood glucose control in a population of individuals with metabolic syndrome. However, to the best of our knowledge, there is no randomized controlled trial examining the preliminary efficacy of WB-EMS on hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels in individuals with prediabetes. Objective: The objective of this randomized controlled trial is to pilot procedures for a randomized controlled trial testing WB-EMS training on glycemic changes in sedentary adults with prediabetes. Methods: A total of 60 community-dwelling sedentary adults aged 40-65 years with prediabetes will be randomized to one of 3 arms: WB-EMS + an activity tracker and a lifestyle education program (LEP) focusing on diabetes prevention, an activity tracker and LEP, or LEP only, with 20 individuals in each arm. The WB-EMS training will consist of 1.5×20 minutes per week. The intervention will last 16 weeks. As a pilot study, our main outcomes concern the number of participants who will be recruited, and comply with intervention and follow-up. The primary efficacy outcome of interest includes hemoglobin A1c. The intention-to-treat analysis will be conducted with the objective of providing CI estimation of treatment effects. Results: The recruitment of study participants started in February 2024. At the time of submission of this protocol for publication, the recruitment was still ongoing. As of October 2024, a total of 42 participants were allocated to the study groups. The anticipated date of recruitment completion is July 2025. Conclusions: The results of this trial will provide valuable evidence for future investigations comparing the efficacy of the WB-EMS intervention with traditional exercise training to improve glycemic control in this population.

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APA:

Shojaa, M., Knaub, K., Schmitz, N., Nieß, A.M., Munz, B., Rau, S.,... Kemmler, W. (2025). Effect of Whole-Body Electromyostimulation Training on Glycemic Control in People With Prediabetes: Protocol for a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial Study. JMIR Research Protocols, 14. https://doi.org/10.2196/68761

MLA:

Shojaa, Mahdieh, et al. "Effect of Whole-Body Electromyostimulation Training on Glycemic Control in People With Prediabetes: Protocol for a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial Study." JMIR Research Protocols 14 (2025).

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