The study investigates the midterm, longterm and acute psychological and physical effects of an 8-week whole-body-workout using Electromyostimulation (EMS) in healthy individuals.
EMS-whole-body-workouts are less time-consuming and effort-intensive but generate physical effects which are comparable to conventional strength training. Therefore EMS could lower the barrier to physical activity. The present study focusses on psychological and physical effects of an 8-week EMS workout. Physical activity is notably important for mental and physical health, but is on average far too rarely implemented. Therefore EMS-whole-body-workouts could provide an opportunity to generate positive psychological and physical effects through a less (subjective) cost-intense strength training.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
72
Electromyostimulation - intensity 5 (muscle stimulation)
Electromyostimulation - intensity 0 (no muscle stimulation)
Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin - Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy
Berlin, Germany
RECRUITINGAcute change of subjective well-being.
• Subjective well-being is measured using a visual analogue scale (0-100%, higher value = better outcome).
Time frame: From directly before each of the eight training sessions do directly after each of the sessions (EMS-Training/Sham) during the 8 weeks of training.
Acute change of subjective relaxation.
• Subjective relaxation is measured using a visual analogue scale (0-100%, higher value = better outcome).
Time frame: From directly before each of the eight training sessions do directly after each of the sessions (EMS-Training/Sham) during the 8 weeks of training.
Change of acute symptoms of anxiety and depression.
• The State-Scale of the State-Trait-Anxiety-Depression-Inventar (STADI-State; Renner, Hock, Bergner-Köther \& Laux, 2018) is used to assess acute symptoms of depression and anxiety. The raw score ranges from 10 to 40, higher values indicate a worse outcome.
Time frame: From directly before each of the eight training sessions do directly after each of the sessions (EMS-Training/Sham) during the 8 weeks of training.
Mid-/longterm changes in depressive symptoms.
• Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9; Kroenke \& Spitzer, 2002). Sum scores ranging from 0 to 27, higher values indicate a worse outcome.
Time frame: Baseline (before any training) + Intermediate (4 weeks) + Post (8 weeks) + Follow-Up (12 weeks).
Mid-/longterm changes in anxiety symptoms.
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7; Spitzer, Kroenke, Williams \& Löwe, 2006). Sum scores ranging from 0 to 21, higher values indicate a worse outcome.
Time frame: Baseline (before any training) + Intermediate (4 weeks) + Post (8 weeks) + Follow-Up (12 weeks).
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Mid-/longterm changes in affect-related psychological variables.
• The Trait-Scale of the State-Trait-Anxiety-Depression-Inventar (STADI-Trait; Renner, Hock, Bergner-Köther \& Laux, 2018) is used to assess symptoms of depression and anxiety. The raw score ranges from 10 to 40, higher values indicate a worse outcome.
Time frame: Baseline (before any training) + Intermediate (4 weeks) + Post (8 weeks) + Follow-Up (12 weeks).
Mid-/longterm changes in positive and negative affect.
• Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS; Watson, Clark \& Tellegen, 1988). Positive subscale: Scores ranging from 10 to 50, higher scores represent a better outcome. Negative subscale: Scores ranging from 10 to 50, higher scores represent a worse outcome.
Time frame: Baseline (before any training) + Intermediate (4 weeks) + Post (8 weeks) + Follow-Up (12 weeks).
Change in general self-efficacy
• General self-efficacy is measured using the General-Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE) by Jerusalem \& Schwarzer (1981). The GSE has 10 likert scaled items with values ranging from 1 to 4, higher scores mean a better outcome.
Time frame: Baseline (before any training) + Intermediate (4 weeks) + Post (8 weeks) + Follow-Up (12 weeks).
Change in attitudes regarding physical activity (intentions for physical activity, self-efficacy regarding physical activity)
• Intention (4 items) and self-efficacy (2 items) are measured using six likert scaled items by Petzold et al. (2017). Values ranging from 1 to 4, higher scores mean a better outcome.
Time frame: Baseline (before any training) + Intermediate (4 weeks) + Post (8 weeks) + Follow-Up (12 weeks).
Change in physical parameters: heart rate variability.
• Heart rate variability is measured with a polar chest strap during 5 minutes of relaxation.
Time frame: Baseline (before any training) + Intermediate (4 weeks) + Post (8 weeks) + Follow-Up (12 weeks).
Change in physical parameters: hand force.
• Hand force is measured with a hand-dynamometer left and right hand.
Time frame: Baseline (before any training) + Intermediate (4 weeks) + Post (8 weeks) + Follow-Up (12 weeks).
Change in physical parameters: leg strength.
• Leg strength is assessed using the 30-second chair-stand-test.
Time frame: Baseline (before any training) + Intermediate (4 weeks) + Post (8 weeks) + Follow-Up (12 weeks).