Effect of Whole Body Electromyostimulation and/or Protein Supplementation on Sarcopenic Obesity in 70+

The aim of the study is to evaluate the effects of Whole-Body Electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) with additional protein supplementation on Sarcopenic Obesity parameters in independently living men 70 years and older with sarcopenic obesity. The randomized controlled study compares three groups with 36 subjects each: (1) WB-EMS with additional protein supplementation, (2) protein-only and (3) passive control group, over a period of 16 weeks of WB-EMS -training. Group (1) conducts 1.5-times/week a 20 minute-sessions of WB-EMS with additional protein, group (2) is limited to protein supplementation (only) and group (3) is constrained to maintain their habitual living behavior and physical activity. Based on an individual nutrition analysis the protein intake will be adjusted to 1.5-1.7 g/kg/ bodymass/d. All groups will be supplemented with a maximum of 800 IE Vitamin D.

Primary study endpoint will be changes of the Sarcopenia Z-Score with skeletal muscle mass assessed via bio-impedance analysis (BIA). Secondary study endpoints are changes of Obesity (i.e. body-fat as assessed via BIA), cardiometabolic risk (i.e. Metabolic Syndrome Z-Score), strength parameters evaluated via Dr. Wolff BackCheck and Physiomed LegPress, quality of life (SF-12) and functional disability (late life physical disability index).

Inclusion criteria

• community dwelling, independent living men
• Sarcopenia
• Obesity (body fat >=25%)

Exclusion criteria

• exclusion criteria for WB-EMS-application (e.g. cardiac pacemaker)
• diseases/medication that affect the study endpoints (e.g. Glucocorticoids >5mg/d)
• absence of more than 2 weeks during the study period