Impact of Whole-Body Electromyostimulation and Resistance Training on the Level of Functional Fitness in Elderly Women

ABSTRACT  Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) and resistance training (RT) on the level of functional fitness in a group of elderly women. Participants: 63 women (60-65 years) were randomly divided into 2 experimental groups (19 in WB-EMS, 22 in RT) and one control group (22 women). Both experimental groups underwent a ten-week lasting interventional program, the control group was asked to maintain their usual daily regimen and lifestyle. Methods: Senior fitness test battery (SFT) determined the level of functional fitness in participants, and the dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) assessed the body composition.  Results: The RT group reported a statistically significant difference between pre-and post-test in values of the Chair Stand test (p = 0.04), 8 Foot up and Go (p = 0.03), in the Back Scratch test left side (p = 0.02) and the Chair Sit and Reach test right side (p = 0.05). The WB-EMS interventional program had a positive statistically significant effect only the on level of flexibility of the lower limbs measured by the Chair Sit and Reach test left side (p = 0.05). Conclusions:  The results of all individual components of functional fitness measured by SFT in both experimental groups (WB-EMS, RT) show an improving tendency. Comparing WB-EMS and RT groups, better results were confirmed in the RT group. Study limitations: Extending the length of intervention programs could have a more significant effect on the level of functional fitness in elderly women. Keywords: ageing, functional fitness, Senior fitness test, DXA, resistance training, WB-EMS