CompletedNot Applicable

Effects of Lower Body EMS Training in Postmenopausal Women

South Korea38 participantsStarted 2025-12-26

Plain-language summary

This study evaluates the effects of a 8-week lower body Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) training program on body composition, muscle function, and arteriosclerosis markers in postmenopausal women. Menopause is associated with a rapid decline in estrogen, which increases the risk of sarcopenia (muscle loss) and arterial stiffness (cardiovascular disease). While resistance training is effective for these conditions, participation rates among postmenopausal women are often low. This study investigates whether applying EMS during lower body resistance exercises provides superior benefits compared to resistance training alone or no intervention. Participants will be randomized into three groups: 1. Lower-body EMS combined with Resistance Training Group 2. Resistance Training Only Group 3. Control Group (No intervention) The study aims to verify the efficacy of EMS as a time-efficient and effective alternative exercise modality for improving vascular and musculoskeletal health in this population.

Who can participate

Age range

50 Years – 70 Years

Sex

FEMALE

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Post-menopausal women (defined as cessation of menstruation for at least 12 months). * Aged between 50 and 70 years. * Sedentary lifestyle (no participation in regular resistance training programs within the last 6 months). * Able to perform lower body resistance exercise with LB-EMS suit. * Willing to participate in the study and provide informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Contraindications for WB-EMS: Presence of implanted electrical devices (e.g., pacemakers, defibrillators), severe bleeding disorders (e.g., hemophilia), abdominal/inguinal hernia, or history of surgery within the last 6 months (including stent insertion). * Severe Chronic Diseases: Diagnosis of severe cardiovascular (e.g., MI, heart failure, arrhythmia), renal, neurological (e.g., epilepsy), or oncological diseases (currently undergoing treatment). * Uncontrolled Cardiovascular Conditions: Uncontrolled hypertension or severe arterial circulatory disorders. * Confounding Medications: Current use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopause or medications for severe psychiatric disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety). * Acute Conditions \& Others: Acute infection/inflammation, influence of alcohol/drugs, or any other condition deemed unsuitable by the investigator.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Body Fat Percentage

Timeframe: Baseline and Week 8

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07385534

SponsorSeoul National University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-06-12

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