Abstract
Obesity and insulin resistance are associated with impaired glycemic control and altered energy metabolism, increasing the risk for cardiometabolic disease. Resistance training (RT) improves body composition by increasing lean mass, which is closely linked to improvements in glycemic control. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) enhances glucose uptake and energy expenditure, independent of changes in body composition. The metabolic effects of combining NMES with RT, however, remain understudied. PURPOSE: To determine if combining NMES with resistance training (RT+NMES) results in greater improvement in glycemic control, energy metabolism, and body composition compared to resistance training alone (RT) in untrained overweight and obese adults. METHODS: Untrained adults with overweight/obesity (N=34; 15 males, 19 females; Age: 29.5 ± 3.13yrs; BMI= 34.74 ± 1.1kg/m²) were randomized to RT or RT+NMES groups and completed supervised lower-body resistance training (three times per week, 30 minutes per session) for eight weeks. NMES was applied to the quadriceps during RT at the maximum tolerable intensity (50Hz, 300µs). All outcomes were assessed before and after the intervention. Glycemic control was assessed by calculating glucose area under the curve (AUC) during the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) Furthermore, body composition was assessed by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and muscular strength was determined by 1 repetition maximum (1RM) using a Magnum Fitness Systems leg extension machine. Data was analyzed by a two-way repeated measures ANOVA to test group (RT+NMES vs RT), time (Pre vs. Post) and group x time interaction effects. RESULTS: Glucose tolerance (AUC) significantly improved following 8-week RT+NMES (440.63 ± 97.21mg/dL to 429.57 ± 73.53mg/dl; p<0.05) but not for RT alone (403.09 ± 57.06mg/dl to 398.23 ± 44.42mg/dl; p>0.05). Fasting glucose did not change in either group (p>0.05). There was significant increase in lean mass (RT+NMES 54.04 ±10.63kg to 54.81 ± 10.47kg ; RT: 53.24 ± 10.21kg to 54.81 ±10.47 p<0.05) and increase in strength (RT-NMES 94.02 ± 28.19kg to 122.81 ± 29.32kg ; RT: 93.56 ± 50.91kg to 121.56 ± 56.94 p<0.05) in both groups and degree of changes in body composition and strength were not different between groups. CONCLUSION: Combining NMES during resistance training preferentially improves glucose tolerance and postprandial glycemic control without altering fasting glucose, while both interventions similarly enhance body composition and strength. These findings suggest RT+NMES may provide added metabolic benefit by targeting postprandial glucose regulation, a key predictor of cardiometabolic risk.
Recommended Citation
Azagloh, Seyram Y.; Narvaez, Gabriel; Fatahimeiabadi, Zahra; Apaflo, Jehu; and Bajpeyi, Sudip
(2026)
"Effect of Resistance Training Combined with Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Glycemic Control and Energy Metabolism in Overweight Adults,"
International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 2:
Iss.
18, Article 164.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol2/iss18/164