Effect of Whole-Body Electromyostimulation on miRNA146a, miRNA133a Gene Expression, Lipid Profiles, Muscle Strength and Body Composition of Men with Overweight/Obesity

Abstract

Background: The whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) represents an innovative strategy designed to enhance body composition and muscle strength while reducing the time commitment required for such improvements. Objective: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of high-frequency versus low frequency WB-EMS training on body composition, muscle strength, the expression of miRNA133a- miRNA146a, and the lipid profile of men with overweight/obesity. Methods: Forty-five men were allocated into high-frequency WB-EMS (BMI = 34.4 kg.m2; 85 Hz, n = 15), low- frequency WB-EMS (BMI = 29.4 kg.m2; 25 Hz; n = 15), and control (BMI = 34.6 kg.m2; n = 15) groups. The intervention was carried out over an eight-week/ three sessions per week. The control group underwent no particular intervention and carried on with their daily activities. The RT-QPCR method was applied to measure the serum levels of miRNA133a, miRNA146a, body composition, lipid profile, fasting blood glucose, insulin levels, and muscle strength, were assessed before and after the intervention. Result: The expression of miRNA146a exhibited a significant reduction in both training groups (P ≤ 0.05), whereas miRNA133a demonstrated an increase across all training groups (P ≤ 0.05). Notably, a significant reduction in body mass index was observed exclusively in the high-frequency group (P ≤ 0.05). Furthermore, the training groups experienced relative decreases in TG, TC, LDL-C levels in comparison to the control group (P ≤ 0.05). Insulin levels increased significantly in the training groups, while fasting blood glucose decreased solely in the high-frequency group (P ≤ 0.05). Additionally, hand grip strength, and knee extensor peak torque also increased significantly in the high-frequency group (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: It appears that WB-EMS training at higher frequencies may positively influence body composition and metabolic parameters in overweight men. This approach could be beneficial for certain individuals with severe obesity, provided that specific considerations are taken into account. Copyright © 2025, Fakhari et al.