Body CompositionNCT07484646
EMS Combined With Resistance Training in Weight Lifters
A study testing EMS + Resistance Training and Resistance Training Only in people with Body Composition and Muscle Mass, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
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. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 40 years, men onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Body Composition, Muscle Mass, Muscle Strength
- What is being tested?
- EMS + Resistance Training and Resistance Training Only
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 34 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 1 Dec 2025to 1 Sep 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 40 years
- Men only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- 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
Who cannot join
- Neuromuscular disorders
- Cardiac pacemaker or implantable electronic device
- Recent musculoskeletal injury (within the last 6 months)
- Skin sensitivity or allergy to EMS electrodes
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Pakistan1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Punjab Sports Board
Lahore, Punjab Province, 547000
Danish Hassan, PhD, 03457946009, danish.hassan009@gmail.com
Aifa Zeenat, MS*
About this study
Official title: Effects of Electrical Muscle Stimulation Combined With Resistance Training on Muscle Mass, Strength, Body Composition, and Power 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.
Read the detailed description
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.
- Conditions
- Body Composition, Muscle Mass, Muscle Strength
- Being tested
- EMS + Resistance Training, Resistance Training Only
- Keywords
- Muscle Mass, Muscle Strength, Body Composition, Resistance Training, Electrical Muscle Stimulation
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
EMS + Resistance TrainingOther
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 OnlyOther
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.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| EMS + Resistance Training | Experimental | Participants will receive supervised resistance training combined with Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS).
EMS Parameters:
Frequency: 85 Hz Pulse Duration: 400 µs Duty Cycle: 10 seconds ON / 50 seconds OFF Duration: 3 sessions per week for 8 weeks
EMS will be applied over major muscle groups during compound resistance exercises. Receives: Other: EMS + Resistance Training |
| Resistance Training Only | Active comparator | Participants will receive supervised resistance training without EMS application.
Training Frequency: 3 sessions per week Duration: 8 weeks Receives: Other: Resistance Training Only |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Mid Upper Arm Circumference
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
Measured: Baseline, Week 4, Week 8
Thigh Circumference
This measures the circumference of the thigh, another area where muscle growth can be tracked. It gives insights into lower-body muscle mass
Measured: Baseline, Week 4, Week 8
Skinfold Thickness
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
Measured: Baseline, Week 4, Week 8
30s Sit-to-Stand Test
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
Measured: Baseline, Week 4, Week 8
Arm Curl Test
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
Measured: Baseline, 4 Week, 8 Week
1RM Estimation (One Repetition Maximum)
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
Measured: Baseline, 4 Week, 8 Week
Vertical Jump Test (Sayers Equation)
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
Measured: Baseline, 4 Week, 8 Week
Standing Long Jump
This test assesses lower-body power and strength by measuring how far an individual can jump forward from a standing start
Measured: Baseline, 4 Week, 8 Week
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted20 Mar 2026
- Study start1 Dec 2025
- Primary completion1 Aug 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion1 Sep 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (6)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Body CompositionStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Riphah International UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Triple blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Care provider, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 34 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Aifa Zeenat, MS*, Principal investigator, Riphah International University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07484646
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- Aifa Zeenat REC/25/0414
- Status last verified
- Mar 2026
- First submitted
- 23 Feb 2026
- Last updated
- 20 Mar 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Amarante do Nascimento M, Nunes JP, Pina FLC, Ribeiro AS, Carneiro NH, Venturini D, Barbosa DS, Mayhew JL, Cyrino ES. Comparison of 2 Weekly Frequencies of Resistance Training on Muscular Strength, Body Composition, and Metabolic Biomarkers in Resistance-Trained Older Women: Effects of Detraining and Retraining. J Strength Cond Res. 2022 May 1;36(5):1437-1444. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000003799. Epub 2020 Aug 27.
PubMed 32868680Arazi H, Asadi A, Gentil P, Ramirez-Campillo R, Jahangiri P, Ghorbani A, Hackney AC, Zouhal H. Effects of different resistance training frequencies on body composition and muscular performance adaptations in men. PeerJ. 2021 Apr 21;9:e10537. doi: 10.7717/peerj.10537. eCollection 2021.
PubMed 33976952Kassiano W, Nunes JP, Costa B, Ribeiro AS, Schoenfeld BJ, Cyrino ES. Does Varying Resistance Exercises Promote Superior Muscle Hypertrophy and Strength Gains? A Systematic Review. J Strength Cond Res. 2022 Jun 1;36(6):1753-1762. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000004258. Epub 2022 Apr 1.
PubMed 35438660Mcleod JC, Currier BS, Lowisz CV, Phillips SM. The influence of resistance exercise training prescription variables on skeletal muscle mass, strength, and physical function in healthy adults: An umbrella review. J Sport Health Sci. 2024 Jan;13(1):47-60. doi: 10.1016/j.jshs.2023.06.005. Epub 2023 Jun 28.
PubMed 37385345Grgic J, Schoenfeld BJ, Davies TB, Lazinica B, Krieger JW, Pedisic Z. Effect of Resistance Training Frequency on Gains in Muscular Strength: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Sports Med. 2018 May;48(5):1207-1220. doi: 10.1007/s40279-018-0872-x.
PubMed 29470825Kaabi S, Mabrouk RH, Passelergue P. Weightlifting Is Better Than Plyometric Training to Improve Strength, Counter Movement Jump, and Change of Direction Skills in Tunisian Elite Male Junior Table Tennis Players. J Strength Cond Res. 2022 Oct 1;36(10):2912-2919. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000003972. Epub 2021 Feb 24.
PubMed 33629971
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 20 Mar 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Electrical Muscle Stimulation Combined With Resistance Training on Muscle Mass, Strength, Body Composition, and Power in Weight Lifters
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07484646
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- Aifa Zeenat REC/25/0414
- Conditions
- Body Composition, Muscle Mass, Muscle Strength
- Keywords
- Muscle Mass, Muscle Strength, Body Composition, Resistance Training, Electrical Muscle Stimulation
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 34 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Dec 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 1 Aug 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 1 Sep 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 20 Mar 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
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.
Detailed description
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.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Triple blind (participant, care provider, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| EMS + Resistance Training | Experimental | Other: EMS + Resistance TrainingParticipants will receive supervised resistance training combined with Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS). EMS Parameters: Frequency: 85 Hz Pulse Duration: 400 µs Duty Cycle: 10 seconds ON / 50 seconds OFF Duration: 3 sessions per week for 8 weeks EMS will be applied over major muscle groups during compound resistance exercises. |
| Resistance Training Only | Active comparator | Other: Resistance Training OnlyParticipants will receive supervised resistance training without EMS application. Training Frequency: 3 sessions per week Duration: 8 weeks |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 40 years
- Sex
- Male only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- 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
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Neuromuscular disorders
- Cardiac pacemaker or implantable electronic device
- Recent musculoskeletal injury (within the last 6 months)
- Skin sensitivity or allergy to EMS electrodes
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| EMS + Resistance TrainingThis 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. | Other | EMS + Resistance Training |
| Resistance Training OnlyThis 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. | Other | Resistance Training Only |
Primary outcome
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 20 Mar 2026.
- Background: PubMed 32868680Amarante do Nascimento M, Nunes JP, Pina FLC, Ribeiro AS, Carneiro NH, Venturini D, Barbosa DS, Mayhew JL, Cyrino ES. Comparison of 2 Weekly Frequencies of Resistance Training on Muscular Strength, Body Composition, and Metabolic Biomarkers in Resistance-Trained Older Women: Effects of Detraining and Retraining. J Strength Cond Res. 2022 May 1;36(5):1437-1444. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000003799. Epub 2020 Aug 27.
- Background: PubMed 33976952Arazi H, Asadi A, Gentil P, Ramirez-Campillo R, Jahangiri P, Ghorbani A, Hackney AC, Zouhal H. Effects of different resistance training frequencies on body composition and muscular performance adaptations in men. PeerJ. 2021 Apr 21;9:e10537. doi: 10.7717/peerj.10537. eCollection 2021.
- Background: PubMed 35438660Kassiano W, Nunes JP, Costa B, Ribeiro AS, Schoenfeld BJ, Cyrino ES. Does Varying Resistance Exercises Promote Superior Muscle Hypertrophy and Strength Gains? A Systematic Review. J Strength Cond Res. 2022 Jun 1;36(6):1753-1762. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000004258. Epub 2022 Apr 1.
- Background: PubMed 37385345Mcleod JC, Currier BS, Lowisz CV, Phillips SM. The influence of resistance exercise training prescription variables on skeletal muscle mass, strength, and physical function in healthy adults: An umbrella review. J Sport Health Sci. 2024 Jan;13(1):47-60. doi: 10.1016/j.jshs.2023.06.005. Epub 2023 Jun 28.
- Background: PubMed 29470825Grgic J, Schoenfeld BJ, Davies TB, Lazinica B, Krieger JW, Pedisic Z. Effect of Resistance Training Frequency on Gains in Muscular Strength: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Sports Med. 2018 May;48(5):1207-1220. doi: 10.1007/s40279-018-0872-x.
- Background: PubMed 33629971Kaabi S, Mabrouk RH, Passelergue P. Weightlifting Is Better Than Plyometric Training to Improve Strength, Counter Movement Jump, and Change of Direction Skills in Tunisian Elite Male Junior Table Tennis Players. J Strength Cond Res. 2022 Oct 1;36(10):2912-2919. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000003972. Epub 2021 Feb 24.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Aifa Zeenat, MS* principal investigator
Riphah International University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing EMS + Resistance Training and Resistance Training Only in people with Body Composition and Muscle Mass, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 4 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 20 Mar 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Pakistan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Danish Hassan, PhD (03457946009, danish.hassan009@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Mid Upper Arm Circumference (time frame: Baseline, Week 4, Week 8). The study lists 8 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07484646, which also lists 6 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 20 Mar 2026.