Combined Effects of NMES and LIRT on Muscle Strength, Girth, and Physical Endurance in the Geriatric Population

Official title

Combined Effects of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation and Low-intensity Resistance Training on Muscle Strength, Girth, and Physical Endurance in Geriatric Population

Overview

This study will employ a randomized controlled trial design with a pre-post design to investigate the combined effects of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) and Low-Intensity Resistance Training (LIRT) on muscle strength, muscle girth, and physical endurance in the geriatric population. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group.

Detailed description

* Informed Consent: Obtain informed consent from participants before starting the study.

2\. Demographic Data Collection: Collect demographic data, including age, sex, height, weight, and medical history.

3\. Muscle Strength Assessment: Measure muscle strength using a dynamometer (e.g., handgrip strength or knee extension strength).

4\. Muscle Girth Measurement: Measure muscle girth using a flexible measuring tape (e.g., mid-upper arm or thigh circumference).

5\. 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT): Conduct the 6MWT to assess physical endurance. Intervention 1. NMES Sessions: Administer NMES sessions 2-3 times a week for 4-5 weeks. 2. LIRT Sessions: Conduct LIRT exercises 2-3 times a week for 4-5weeks, targeting major muscle groups of upper and lower limb.

Interventions

• Other Neuromuscular electrical stimulation
  Prior to the initiation of resistance training, participants will receive 20 minutes of NMES targeting the gastrocnemius and calf muscles Frequency: 35 Hz Pulse duration: 300 µs Following NMES, participants will undergo a 20-minute LIRT session comprising the following exercises:
• Other lOW intensity resistance training
  Seated Leg Press with Thera Band Resistance (Sole Support Position) Participants will be seated with a Thera Band looped around the soles of their feet and held in the hands to provide resistance during leg extension. Repetitions: 10 Sets: 3 Rest Interval: 30-60 seconds between sets

Primary outcome measures

• Manual muscle testing (MMT) for strength measurement [Time frame: baseline to 4 week]

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:• Age: 65 to 85 (35)

• Both male and female will be added(29)
• Patients with low calf muscle mass <31.5 cm for females and <33.5 cm for males will be included in this study(36).
• Participants able to complete the Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test in ≤ 10 seconds (men) or ≤ 11 seconds (women)(37).
• Participants must have ability to walk independently and absence of severe medical conditions(29).
• Participants who takes > 12 seconds to complete TUG will be included in this study(38

Exclusion Criteria:• Participants with contraindications to NMES or RT, such as pacemakers or severe cardiovascular disease(29).

• Participants with a MoCA score of less than 26 will be excluded to ensure adequate cognitive ability to comprehend and follow the study protocol, including exercise and neuromuscular stimulation procedures (39).
• Participants with any musculoskeletal issues will be excluded from this study(35).
• Participants with neuromuscular disorders that may affect muscle strength or function(29).

Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.

Healthy volunteers: No

Study design

Allocation

Randomized

Model

Parallel assignment

Masking

Single blind

Primary purpose

Treatment

Study locations

Pakistan · 1 center

• Center not named — Lahore

Identifiers

NCT: NCT07646405 · REC/RCR&AHS/25/0217

Primary sources (government registries)

• ClinicalTrials.gov (US NIH)

View this study on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗