ELECTRICAL MUSCLE STIMULATION: THE EFFECTS ON WEIGHT REDUCTION, PERCENTAGE OF FAT AND WAIST CIRCLE IN OVERWEIGHT WOMEN

Abstract

Electrical stimulation devices have been widely used for therapy and muscle strength training. This study aims to develop these stimulation devices in weight loss, fat percentage, and waist circumference programs for overweight women. Ten respondents who had never undertaken strenuous physical activity aged between 25-35 years were selected with BMI criteria> 25.0 kg / m2, fat percentage> 25%, and abdominal circumference> 80 cm through pretest measurements. Respondents underwent EMS training with isometric body movement training. The training is carried out twice a week for 12 meetings with 80% training intensity (60-80 Hz flow). The post test results showed that the average weight difference was 6.49%; average difference in fat percentage of 15.54%; and the average waist circumference difference of 6.74%. So, bodyweight training with EMS can significantly reduce body fat percentage, and waist circumference.

Full text

JOURNAL OF CRITICAL REVIEWS
ISSN- 2394-5125 VOL 7, ISSUE 6, 2020
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ELECTRICAL MUSCLE STIMULATION: THE
EFFECTS ON WEIGHT REDUCTION, PERCENTAGE
OF FAT AND WAIST CIRCLE IN OVERWEIGHT
WOMEN
Priska Dyana Kristi1, Dr. dr. BM. Wara Kushartanti2, Rifqi Festiawan3
1,2Sports Science Study Program, Postgraduate Program, Yogyakarta State University
3Physical Education Study Program, Faculty Of Health Science, Jenderal Soedirman University
email: prisca.dyana15@student.uny.ac.id, rifqi.festiawan@unsoed.ac.id*
Received:20 January 2020 Revised and Accepted: 06 March 2020
Abstract:
Electrical stimulation devices have been widely used for therapy and muscle strength training. This study aims to
develop these stimulation devices in weight loss, fat percentage, and waist circumference programs for overweight
women. Ten respondents who had never undertaken strenuous physical activity aged between 25-35 years were
selected with BMI criteria> 25.0 kg / m2, fat percentage> 25%, and abdominal circumference> 80 cm through
pretest measurements. Respondents underwent EMS training with isometric body movement training. The training
is carried out twice a week for 12 meetings with 80% training intensity (60-80 Hz flow). The post test results
showed that the average weight difference was 6.49%; average difference in fat percentage of 15.54%; and the
average waist circumference difference of 6.74%. So, bodyweight training with EMS can significantly reduce
body fat percentage, and waist circumference.
Keywords: Electrical Muscle Stimulation; Bodyweight Training; Overweight.
I. Introduction
Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) is the application of electric current to bring about muscle contraction.
Muscle contraction with EMS is different from muscle contraction initiated by the central nervous system [11].
The use of electrical stimulation aims to obtain the desired physiological response to illness and injury in humans
[4]. Today, EMS has become a mainstay of physical therapy training to rehabilitate muscles after injury or surgery
to prevent muscle atrophy. Training using EMS has now also been developed into a popular treatment technique
for patients suffering from central nervous system disorders secondary to stroke or spinal cord injury. Research
by Esteve in 2015 that analyzed the effects of the EMS program on muscle strength, functional capacity and body
composition in hemodialysis (HD) patients who experienced decreased physical activity and decreased quality of
life showed that EMS intradialysis of both thighs safely and effectively increased muscle strength , functional
capacity and muscle composition of the patient [3]. On the other hand, Kots research in the Soviet Union suggested
that EMS was more effective than exercise alone in strengthening skeletal muscle in elite athletes [7].
To produce significant changes in biochemical parameters and body composition, electrical stimulation or
electrical stimulation programs are needed combined with physical exercise, so that more muscles are recruited
with a more comprehensive effect [4]. However, the benefits of applying EMS throughout the body have not been
investigated to achieve a physical condition improvement program in healthy individuals. Thus, the aim of this
study is to find out whether EMS can affect weight loss, body fat percentage, and waist circumference in healthy
individuals using the Miha bodytec EMS device which is marketed to the general public.
Related Works/Literature Review
The central nervous system will first activate the smallest alpha motoneuron during activities carried out
according to the will. When the force needed increases, there is a progressive increase in motoneuron. The order
of muscle recruitment depends on the size of alpha motoneuron. The size of alpha motoneuron is related to the
type of muscle conserved by motoneuron. Slow Oxidative muscle types are usually recruited first, whereas fast
glycolitic (FG) is the most difficult to recruit at will activation. The order of muscle recruitment is reversed when
the muscles are activated through electrical stimulation, with the largest diameter muscles namely the FG muscles
being recruited first and the smaller diameter muscles being recruited later [8]. Studies not only claim that the

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electrically generated force is greater than that produced voluntarily but also that this happens without producing
pain [10].
Jhon P. Pocari tested the increase in muscle strength, reduce body weight and body fat, and improve muscle
ability in healthy individuals [8]. A total of 27 college student volunteers were assigned to the EMS group by 16
people and the control group by 11 people. The EMS group experienced stimulation 3 times per week, while the
control group underwent a shock stimulation session simultaneously. The results of this study indicate that EMS
does not have a significant effect on the parameters measured. Thus, claims relating to the effectiveness of EMS
for apparently healthy individuals are not supported by the findings of this study. From this study, it can be used
as a reference for developing EMS accompanied by high intensity bodyweight training [8].
II. Material & Methodology
Subject
A total of ten respondents were selected according to the criteria as subjects for this study. The subjects
involved carried out EMS training during 12 meetings. Criteria for inclusion of subjects included women aged
25-35 years with a BMI (Body Mass Index)> 25.0 kg / m2 and had a fat percentage> 25%. The subject is an active
member of the 20 studio FIT Yogyakarta, who takes a minimum package of 12x meetings and is willing to attend
the training program until completion. While the exclusion criteria include pregnancy, injury, and a history of
heart disease.
In detail, the bodyweight training group with EMS consists of 7 people aged 31-35 years and 3 people aged
25-30 years The work of research subjects bodyweight training group with EMS consists of 2 students, 3 career
women, and 5 postnatal women .
Figure 1. Age of Research Subjects
Figure 2. Work subject Research Bodyweight Training with EMS
Testing
At the pretest and posttest measurements were carried out, including: Body Mass Index (BMI) consisting of
body weight and height, body fat percentage by measuring the thickness of skin and subcutaneous fat, waist
circumference. The initial test (pre-test) was carried out in order to find out the initial data from the research
subjects. Subject assessment was carried out using a digital scale to weigh weight, skinfold caliper to measure the
thickness of subcutaneous fat, and a measuring tape to measure waist circumference and height. Fat thickness is
235
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2
4
6
mahasiswa wanita karir pasca melahirkan
Profession

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measured 3 times at the next 4 points in the body using biceps, triceps, subscapular, supraspinale [2]. The counting
technique from the four points is summed to find out the thickness of the fold by rounding the number of skin
folds measured and entering the fat percentage table data (table 1).
The implementation of the final test or post-test in this study is the same as the implementation of the initial
test, namely by using and weight measurement tests using weight scales, body fat percentage using skinfold
caliper, and measuring tape to measure waist circumference and height. The purpose of the final test (posttest) is
to determine the difference in the score of the pretest and posttest after the treatment or practice
Training
The method used in this study is an experimental method using a one group pretest-posttest research design
[5]. A Miha bodytec machine is used when doing bodyweight training using the EMS method. For each exercise,
respondents performed bodyweight training movements consisting of Squats, Lunges, 1 leg standing, pull down,
shoulder press, chest press, butterfly, deadlift, standing twist, and plank. Each movement is carried out
isometrically as many as 8 reps. The current used is alternating current (AC) at a frequency of 60 KHz which will
be modulated at a frequency of 80 Hz with an intensity of 80%. The stimulus is applied 4 seconds "on" which is
then followed by 4 seconds "off" or rest time, with a recommended training time of 20 minutes per stimulation
session [10].
The exercises are carried out following the training program that has been prepared. Before being used for
research, the training program is validated by expert lecturers, so that the training program is feasible for research.
Lecturer validation of the training program, namely Prof. Dr. Suharjana. The research process was conducted
during 12 meetings not including pretest and posttest.
To get confidence that the research design has been chosen to be sufficient to test the research hypothesis and
the results of the study can be generalized to the population, then validation of the things or variables in this study
is in accordance with the statement [7]. Controlling a number of these variables includes: Bias selection is a
selection that is distinguished from subjects who are members of the experimental group. This is controlled by
selecting research subjects and research groups according to criteria. So that the experimental process is not
contaminated by historical effects in the form of events outside the training process, it is sought that the training
process takes place in relatively similar situations and conditions.
Furthermore, to avoid losing the research subject, it is carried out by recording the subject that has been
identified as a candidate for the unit of analysis and beginning the implementation until the end of the experimental
process. The effect of regression in this study is by selecting members who are overweight. Statistically they do
not exercise outside, so the change in the results measured after the experimental process is expected to be purely
as a result and the treatment given. Population validity is controlled by: selecting samples according to population
characteristics through procedures and selecting criteria when determining the group of subjects to be treated.
Inform members that they are being the subject of research, do not change the training schedule, the training is
given by experienced trainers, and monitoring of the experiment is carried out by the researcher.
Table 1. Body Fat Standard
Fitness Category
Age
20 – 29
30 – 39
40 – 49
50 – 59
Essensial Fat
10 – 13
10 – 13
10 – 13
10 – 13
Excellent
14.5 – 17
15.5 – 17.9
18.5 – 21.2
21.6 – 24.9
Good
17.2 – 20.5
18 – 21.5
21.3 – 24.8
25 – 28.4
Average
20.6 – 23.6
21.6 – 24.8
24.9 – 28
28.5 – 31.5
Below Average
23.7 – 27.6
24.9 – 29.2
28.1 – 32
31.6 – 35.5
Poor
>27.7
>29.3
>32.1
>35.6
Source: ACSM’S Health-Related Physical Fitness Assessment Manual,
2ndEd. 2008. pg 59.

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Figure 3. Measurement of body weight, fat percentage and waist circumference
Figure 4. Bodyweight training with EMS
III. Results & Discussion
Results
Normality test is done to find out whether the data has a normal distribution. The test used is the
Kolmogorov Smirnov test. Normality testing uses the help of the SPSS for Windows Evaluation Version program.
The criteria used to determine whether or not a distribution is normal is if p> 0.05 (5%) of the distribution is
declared normal, and if p <0.05 (5%) the distribution is said to be abnormal [12]. Based on the normality test
results table (table 2), it is known that the overall p value> 0.05. Therefore, it can be concluded that there is no
difference in the frequency of observations (results) with the normal expectation frequency which means that all
data in this study are normally distributed. Thus all data can be analyzed using parametric tests.
Table 2. Normality Test Results
No
Groups
Pretest
Posttest
Description
Sig.
Sig.
Pretest
Posttest
1.
Weight
0,389
0,179
Normal
Normal
2.
Fat Percentage
0,424
0,406
Normal
Normal
3.
Waist size
0,725
0,242
Normal
Normal
Homogeneous test is a test to find out whether the variances of a number of populations are the same or
not [12]. Homogeneity variance test was carried out to test the similarity of variance in the pre-test and post-test
experimental groups. Homogeneity test uses Levene's Test with F test. Homogeneity test uses the help of a
computer program SPSS 16.0 for Windows Evaluation Version with the formula F test. Homogeneity test rules,

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if F count <F table and p> 0.05 (5%) then the two variables otherwise homogeneous, otherwise if F count> F table
and p <0.05 (5%) then it is not homogeneous. Based on the homogeneity test results of each variable (table 3), it
is known that the significance value is greater than 0.05 (p> 0.05), so it can be concluded that the data presented
are homogeneous (the same).
Table 3. Homogeneous Test Results
Variable
Pretest
Posttest
Keterangan
Sig.
Sig.
Weight
0,225
0,661
Homogen
Fat Percentage
0,154
0,205
Homogen
Waist size
0,245
0,858
Homogen
Next, a t-test is performed to determine whether there are differences in the variables between the pretest
and posttest in the experimental group. The results of the analysis stated there are differences if the significance
value is less than 0.05 (p <0.05). Data obtained from the initial test (pretest) and final test (posttest) will be
analyzed statistically descriptive using the t test using a SPSS computer program with a significance level of 5%
or 0.05. This t-test aims to determine whether or not the influence of bodyweight training on body weight, body
fat percentage and waist circumference in members of 20FIT Yogyakarta.
Hypothesis testing in this study uses two t-test techniques to determine the effect of exercise on the
dependent variable that has the value of two tests (pretest and posttest) using a computer SPSS program. All tests
were carried out at a significance level of 0.05. The following hypothesis is the result of paired t-test:
Effect of Bodyweight Training with EMS on Weight Loss
To make a decision whether the proposed hypothesis is accepted or rejected, then it is defined as follows:
Ho :
There was no effect of bodyweight training using EMS on weight loss.
Ha :
The impact of bodyweight training by using EMS on weight loss.
The criteria for making a hypothesis test decision by comparing the probability value (p) with α = 5%. The
decision criteria are as follows: (1) if p> 0.05, Ho is accepted and Ha is rejected; (2) if p <0.05 then Ho is rejected
and Ha is accepted. The results of the analysis (table 4) note that the value of p (sig.) In the weight variable is
0,000 <0.05; thus Ho is rejected and Ha is accepted; so it can be concluded "there is an effect of bodyweight
training using EMS on weight loss".
Table 4. Results of Paired t-test Bodyweight Training with EMS for Body Weight
Variable
Mean
t ht
t tb
Sig,
Difference
%
Weight
Pre
68,8500
7,611
2,262
0,000
4,47
6,49%
Post
64,3800
Effect of Bodyweight Training with EMS on Fat Percentage
To make a decision whether the proposed hypothesis is accepted or rejected, then it is defined as follows:
Ho :
There is no effect of bodyweight training using EMS to reduce fat percentage.
Ha :
There is an effect of bodyweight training using EMS to reduce the percentage of fat.
The criteria for making a hypothesis test decision by comparing the probability value (p) with α = 5%. The
decision criteria are as follows: (1) if p> 0.05, Ho is accepted and Ha is rejected; (2) if p <0.05 then Ho is rejected
and Ha is accepted. The results of the analysis (table 5) note that the value of p (sig.) In the weight variable is
0.002 <0.05; thus Ho is rejected and Ha is accepted; so it can be concluded "there is an effect of bodyweight
training using EMS to reduce fat percentage".
Table 5. Paired t-test Bodyweight Training with EMS Tests for Fat Percentage
Variable
Mean
t ht
t tb
Sig,
Difference
%
Fat Percentage
Pre
35,3190
4,471
2,262
0,002
5,487
15,54%

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Post
29,8320
Effect of Bodyweight Training with EMS on the Waist
Untuk membuat keputusan apakah hipotesis yang diajukan diterima atau ditolak, maka didefinisikan sebagai
berikut:
Ho :
There is no effect of bodyweight training using EMS to decrease waist circumference.
Ha :
There is an effect of bodyweight training using EMS to decrease waist circumference
The criteria for making a hypothesis test decision by comparing the probability value (p) with α = 5%. The
decision criteria are as follows: (1) if p> 0.05, Ho is accepted and Ha is rejected; (2) if p <0.05 then Ho is rejected
and Ha is accepted. The results of the analysis (table 6) note that the p value (sig.) In the weight variable is 0,000
<0.05; thus Ho is rejected and Ha is accepted; so it can be concluded "there is an effect of bodyweight training
using EMS to decrease waist circumference".
Table 6. Paired Bodyweight Training t-test with EMS Test on Waist Circumference
Variabel
Mean
t ht
t tb
Sig,
Difference
%
Waist
circumference
Pre
95,7800
5,107
2,262
0,001
6,455
6,74%
Post
89,3250
In more detail, the results of the analysis in the Table above stated that: 1) The bodyweight training group
using EMS had an effect on weight loss, with an average difference of 6.49%, 2) The bodyweight training group
using EMS affected the reduction in fat percentage, with an average difference of 15.54%, 3) The bodyweight
training group using EMS had an effect on decreasing waist circumference, with an average difference of 6.74%.
IV. Discussion
Bodyweight training dengan EMS mengalami adaptasi metabolik yaitu meningkatnya metabolisme lemak
selama olahraga. Latihan dengan intensitas tinggi mampu memacu kerja jantung lebih keras sehingga konsumsi
oksigen meningkat, dengan demikian metabolisme tubuh pun meningkat dan makin banyak lemak yang digunakan
untuk pembakaran [1]. Kemudian terjadi lonjakan dalam epinefrin dan norepinefrin yang dapat melayani peran
katalis untuk meningkatkan penurunan lemak. Hal ini telah terbukti dapat mendorong lypolisis (pemecahan
lemak), dan sebagian besar bertanggung jawab dalam pembebasan lemak dari kedua penyimpanan lemak yaitu
dibawah kulit dan di dalam otot [4]. EMS terbukti mampu menghancurkan lemak yang menutupi otot,
meningkatkan suplai darah ke otot, dan kemudian membantu untuk memberi kekuatan otot perut untuk
menghancurkan lemak dari dalam, melalui kontraksi listriknya [10].
V. Conclusion
Based on the results of research and discussion that has been described, it can be concluded that bodyweight
training using EMS can significantly reduce body weight, fat percentage, and waist circumference.
Acknowledgement: This research is fully suported by the post-graduate program of Yogyakarta State University
VI. References
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strength, functional capacity and body composition in haemodialysis patients. Nefrología.
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