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NCT Number: NCT07484646

EMS Combined With Resistance Training in Weight Lifters

The purpose of this randomized controlled trial is to determine the effects of Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) combined with resistance training on muscle mass, muscular strength, body composition, and power in trained weightlifters. Participants will be randomly allocated into two groups: one receiving resistance training alone and the other receiving EMS combined with resistance training. The intervention will be conducted for eight weeks, and outcome measures will be assessed at baseline, mid-intervention (4 weeks), and post-intervention (8 weeks). The findings of this study may provide evidence regarding the additional benefits of EMS when combined with conventional resistance training programs in enhancing muscular performance among trained athletes.

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Key information

Conditions

Body Composition Muscle Mass Muscle Strength

Age range

18 year–40 year

Sex eligibility

Male

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Punjab Sports Board

Lahore, Punjab Province, 547000, Pakistan

Location status: Recruiting

Location contact

Aifa Zeenat, MS*

PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Danish Hassan, PhD

CONTACT

[email protected]

03457946009

About this study

Resistance training is widely used to improve muscle mass, strength, and physical performance in athletes. Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) has recently gained attention as an adjunctive modality that may enhance neuromuscular activation and training adaptations when applied during exercise. EMS delivers electrical impulses to skeletal muscles through surface electrodes, which may recruit additional motor units and improve muscular performance outcomes.

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of EMS when combined with resistance training in comparison to resistance training alone in trained male weightlifters. Participants will undergo an eight-week intervention consisting of supervised training sessions three times per week. Outcome measures related to muscle mass, strength, body composition, and power will be recorded at baseline, at four weeks, and at eight weeks.

The study findings may provide insight into the practical application of EMS in sports training and rehabilitation settings and its role in improving muscular performance outcomes in trained individuals.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Male participants aged 18-40 years
  • Resistance training ≥3 times/week for at least 1 year
  • Active participation in weightlifting, bodybuilding, or strength athletics
  • Medically cleared for physical activity

Exclusion criteria

  • Neuromuscular disorders
  • Cardiac pacemaker or implantable electronic device
  • Recent musculoskeletal injury (within the last 6 months)
  • Skin sensitivity or allergy to EMS electrodes

Treatment and study plan

EMS + Resistance Training

Other

This group will combine the benefits of both EMS and Resistance Training to maximize muscle mass, strength, and body composition improvements using both EMS and RT (18). EMS will be applied to muscles using a frequency-specific protocol. EMS treatment according to the parameters defined as frequency (85 Hz), pulse duration (400 1s), and the duty cycle (10s on: 50s off).

Exercises: A complementary schedule of EMS and resistance exercises. Frequency: 3 times per week (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday) for 8 weeks.

Resistance Training Only

Other

This protocol will emphasize muscle strengthening through resistance training to improve strength and muscle mass through traditional resistance training methods (7).

Exercises: A selection of exercises focusing on muscle mass and strength. Compound exercises (such as squats, deadlifts, bench press) and isolation exercises (such as bicep curls, triceps extensions) Frequency: 3 times per week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) for 8 weeks.

Primary outcomes

  1. Mid Upper Arm Circumference

    Time frame: Baseline, Week 4, Week 8

    This measurement helps assess muscle size and mass in the upper arm. It is a simple, non-invasive way to estimate changes in muscle growth

  2. Thigh Circumference

    Time frame: Baseline, Week 4, Week 8

    This measures the circumference of the thigh, another area where muscle growth can be tracked. It gives insights into lower-body muscle mass

  3. Skinfold Thickness

    Time frame: Baseline, Week 4, Week 8

    This refers to the measurement of skinfolds at specific body sites (such as triceps, abdomen, and thigh) using calipers. It provides an estimate of subcutaneous fat and indirectly reflects muscle mass as well

  4. 30s Sit-to-Stand Test

    Time frame: Baseline, Week 4, Week 8

    This test measures functional lower-body strength by counting how many times a person can rise from a chair in 30 seconds. It assesses leg strength and endurance

  5. Arm Curl Test

    Time frame: Baseline, 4 Week, 8 Week

    This evaluates upper-body strength by counting how many bicep curls a person can perform in 30 seconds using a set weight. It focuses on arm muscle endurance and strength

  6. 1RM Estimation (One Repetition Maximum)

    Time frame: Baseline, 4 Week, 8 Week

    This measures the maximum amount of weight a person can lift in 1 repetition for a given exercise (like squats). Estimating the 1RM helps evaluate maximal strength

  7. Vertical Jump Test (Sayers Equation)

    Time frame: Baseline, 4 Week, 8 Week

    This test measures lower-body power by assessing how high an individual can jump from a standing position. The Sayers equation is used to calculate power output from the vertical jump height

  8. Standing Long Jump

    Time frame: Baseline, 4 Week, 8 Week

    This test assesses lower-body power and strength by measuring how far an individual can jump forward from a standing start

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Danish Hassan, PhD

CONTACT

[email protected]

03457946009

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Riphah International University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effects of Electrical Muscle Stimulation Combined With Resistance Training on Muscle Mass, Strength, Body Composition, and Power in Weight Lifters

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Mar 20, 2026
Registry last updated
Mar 20, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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