Abstract
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is a rehabilitation technique for individuals with physical function limitations and mobility impairments, however, the potential for NMES to improve metabolic health is unclear. PURPOSE: To evaluate the acute and long-term effects of NMES on blood glucose and substrate utilization. METHODS: The study recruited forty-five sedentary overweight/obese participants (Age: 40 ± 13 years; BMI: 37 ± 7 kg/m2) with hyperglycemia (fasting glucose ≥ 100 mg/dL or 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) value ≥ 140 mg/dL). For the acute study, participants underwent 30 minutes of NMES on both quadricep muscles. Blood glucose levels were measured at rest and at 5-minute intervals throughout the stimulation period. Indirect calorimetry was used to continually track substrate utilization (respiratory exchange rate (RER)) before and during the NMES. A subset of participants (n=24) was randomized into control (n=11) and NMES groups (n=13) for an 8-week intervention. They received NMES (30 minutes/session; 3 times/week at 50 Hz frequency and 300 µs pulse width) for a total of eight weeks. The control group received low intensity (sensory level) stimulation while the NMES group administered high intensity NMES stimulation that elicits visible muscle contraction. Baseline and post intervention glycemic control was measured using oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), performed by measuring blood glucose level after 2 hours of taking a 75g glucose drink. Data were analyzed using paired t-test, Wilcoxon test, and ANOVA with repeated measures. The results are presented as mean ± SEM. RESULTS: Thirty minutes of NMES (acute effect) resulted in significant reduction of fasting blood glucose (108 ± 3 mg/dL to 104 ± 3 mg/dL; p0.05). CONCLUSION: Application of NMES can result in improvement in glycemic control. Future studies should investigate the feasibility of implementing self-administered NMES as an alternate strategy to manage hyperglycemia in community settings.
Recommended Citation
Apaflo, Jehu N.; Fatahimeiabadi, Zahra; John Tomy, Irene; Villalobos, Ulices; Labadah, Joshua; SAHA, DWAIPAYAN; Dutta, Preyangsee Dr.; and Bajpeyi, Sudip
(2025)
"Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Improved Glycemic Control in Population with Hyperglycemia and Overweight/Obesity,"
International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 2:
Iss.
17, Article 121.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol2/iss17/121
Included in
Health and Physical Education Commons, Medical Education Commons, Sports Sciences Commons