Obesity & OverweightNCT07787286
EMS vs. Resistance Training in Overweight Women
A study testing Resistance Training and Electrical Muscle Stimulation in people with Obesity & Overweight, run by Birjand University of Medical Sciences at 1 site in Iran.
Trial summary
This study aims to compare the effects of eight weeks of resistance training versus electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) on oxidative stress indicators and cellular health index in overweight and obese women aged 35-45 years. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 35 to 45 years, women onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Obesity & Overweight
- What is being tested?
- Resistance Training and Electrical Muscle Stimulation
- Type of treatment
- Medical device
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 42 participants
- Where
- 1 siteIran
- Study dates
- 15 Sep 2026to 25 Nov 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 35 to 45 years
- Women only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Healthy non-menopausal women aged 35 to 45 years
- Body mass index (BMI) between 25 and 35 kg/m²
- Similar menstrual cycle pattern
- No pregnancy or lactation
- No continuous medication affecting fat or muscle mass (based on health and fitness questionnaire)
- No history of cruciate ligament injury or other upper/lower extremity injuries in the past 6 months
- No history of heart attack or acute cardiovascular disease
- No use of medications (glucocorticoids, beta-blockers, alcohol) or antioxidant supplements that could interfere with study results
Who cannot join
- Inability to complete the intervention program
- Absence from more than three consecutive training sessions
- Failure to comply with the study protocol
- Development of any medical condition during the study period that contraindicates continued participation
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Iran1 site
Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Birjand
Birjand, South Khorasan Province, 9717434765
About this study
Official title: Comparison of the Effect of Eight Weeks of Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) Versus Resistance Training on Oxidative Stress Indicators and Cellular Health Index in Overweight and Obese Women
This study aims to compare the effects of eight weeks of resistance training versus electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) on oxidative stress indicators and cellular health index in overweight and obese women aged 35-45 years. Forty-two participants will be randomly assigned to three groups: resistance training, EMS, and control. The resistance training group will perform progressive resistance exercises three times per week for eight weeks. The EMS group will receive electrical muscle stimulation on biceps, abdominal, back, and quadriceps muscles three times per week for eight weeks. The control group will receive no intervention. Oxidative stress markers including superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), catalase (CAT), glutathione, protein carbonyl (PC), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) will be measured from blood samples. Cellular health will be assessed using phase angle (PhA) derived from bioelectrical impedance analysis. Upper and lower body muscular strength and endurance will also be evaluated. All measurements will be taken at baseline and 48 hours after the last training session. The primary outcome is change in phase angle. Secondary outcomes include changes in oxidative stress markers and physical performance.
Read the detailed description
This is a quasi-experimental, pretest-posttest, parallel-group clinical trial with three arms: resistance training, electrical muscle stimulation (EMS), and control. Forty-two overweight and obese women (BMI 25-35 kg/m², aged 35-45 years) will be randomly assigned to the three groups (n=14 each). Participants must meet the inclusion criteria including no history of cardiovascular disease, no pregnancy or lactation, no use of medications affecting muscle or fat mass, and no recent lower/upper extremity injuries.
Intervention details:
Resistance training group: 8 weeks, 3 sessions/week, 50 minutes each session. Exercises include upper body, back, abdominal, and lower body movements. Training intensity will progress from 60% of 1RM in week 1 to 85% of 1RM in week 8.
EMS group: 8 weeks, 3 sessions/week, 30 minutes each session. EMS will be applied to biceps brachii, abdominals, back, and quadriceps muscles using frequency of 35-70 Hz, pulse duration 100 μs, and pulse period 50 ms. Electrode size: 150 × 240 mm. Intensity will be progressively increased over the 8 weeks.
Control group: No exercise intervention during the study period.
Outcome measurements:
Primary outcome: Phase angle (PhA) measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis (Inbody770).
Secondary outcomes: Serum levels of SOD, GPX, CAT, glutathione, PC, and TAC measured using ELISA kits. Upper body strength (bench press) and lower body strength (squat) measured via 1RM testing. Upper body endurance (push-up test) and lower body endurance (bodyweight squat test) measured in 60-second tests.
Statistical analysis: Data will be analyzed using ANCOVA with pretest scores as covariates. Correlation between phase angle changes and oxidative stress markers will be assessed using Pearson's correlation coefficient. All analyses will be performed using SPSS, with significance set at p < 0.05.
- Conditions
- Obesity & Overweight
- Being tested
- Resistance Training, Electrical Muscle Stimulation, No Intervention
- Keywords
- Obesity, Overweight, Resistance Training, Electric Stimulation Therapy, Oxidative Stress, Phase Angle, Superoxide Dismutase, Catalase, Body Composition
- Medical subject headings
- Obesity, Overweight
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Resistance TrainingOther
Progressive resistance training program including upper body (chest press), back (lat pulldown), abdominal (crunch), and lower body (squat) exercises. Performed 3 times per week for 8 weeks. Each session includes warm-up (10 min), main exercises (30 min), and cool-down (10 min). Intensity: 60-85% of 1RM, progressing weekly.
Electrical Muscle StimulationDevice
Electrical muscle stimulation applied to biceps brachii, abdominals, back, and quadriceps muscles using a commercial EMS device. Parameters: frequency 35-70 Hz, pulse duration 100 μs, pulse period 50 ms, electrode size 150 × 240 mm. Performed 3 times per week for 8 weeks, 15 minutes per session. Intensity progressively increased based on participant tolerance.
No InterventionOther
Participants in the control group receive no exercise intervention during the 8-week study period.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Resistance Training | Active comparator | Eight weeks of progressive resistance training, 3 sessions per week. Each session includes upper body, back, abdominal, and lower body exercises. Training intensity progresses from 60% of 1RM in week 1 to 85% of 1RM in week 8. Receives: Other: Resistance Training |
| Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) | Experimental | Eight weeks of electrical muscle stimulation training, 3 sessions per week. EMS applied to biceps brachii, abdominals, back, and quadriceps muscles using frequency of 35-70 Hz, pulse duration 100 μs, and pulse period 50 ms. Electrode size: 150 × 240 mm. Intensity progressively increased over 8 weeks. Receives: Device: Electrical Muscle Stimulation |
| Control | Other | No exercise intervention during the 8-week study period. Participants are asked to maintain their usual lifestyle and physical activity levels. Receives: Other: No Intervention |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in Phase Angle (PhA) as a Cellular Health Index
Phase angle (PhA) measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis (Inbody770). PhA is calculated as the ratio of reactance (Xc) to resistance (R) and serves as an indicator of cellular health, membrane integrity, and cell function.
Measured: Measured at baseline (before intervention) and 48 hours after the last training session (week 8).
Secondary outcomes (9)
Change in Serum Superoxide Dismutase (SOD)
Serum SOD level measured using ELISA kit. SOD is an antioxidant enzyme that catalyzes the dismutation of superoxide radical into oxygen and hydrogen peroxide.
Measured: Measured at baseline (before intervention) and 48 hours after the last training session (week 8).
Change in Upper Body Strength (Bench Press 1RM)
Maximum strength of the upper body measured using the bench press 1-repetition maximum (1RM) test.
Measured: Measured at baseline (before intervention) and 48 hours after the last training session (week 8).
Change in Lower Body Strength (Squat 1RM)
Maximum strength of the lower body measured using the squat 1-repetition maximum (1RM) test.
Measured: Measured at baseline (before intervention) and 48 hours after the last training session (week 8).
Change in Upper Body Muscular Endurance (Push-Up Test)
Upper body muscular endurance assessed using the push-up test. The number of correct push-ups performed within 60 seconds is recorded.
Measured: Measured at baseline (before intervention) and 48 hours after the last training session (week 8).
Change in Serum Glutathione Peroxidase (GPX)
Serum GPX level measured using ELISA kit. GPX is a selenium-containing enzyme that catalyzes the reduction of hydroperoxides.
Measured: Measured at baseline (before intervention) and 48 hours after the last training session (week
Change in Serum Catalase (CAT)
Serum CAT level measured using ELISA kit. CAT is an enzyme that catalyzes the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide to water and oxygen.
Measured: Measured at baseline (before intervention) and 48 hours after the last training session (week
Change in Serum Glutathione (GSH)
Serum glutathione level measured using ELISA kit. GSH is a major intracellular antioxidant that protects cells against oxidative damage.
Measured: Measured at baseline (before intervention) and 48 hours after the last training session (week
Change in Serum Protein Carbonyl (PC)
Serum PC level measured using ELISA kit. PC is a marker of protein oxidation and oxidative damage to proteins.
Measured: Measured at baseline (before intervention) and 48 hours after the last training session (week
Change in Serum Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC)
Serum TAC level measured using ELISA kit. TAC reflects the overall capacity of the antioxidant system to neutralize free radicals.
Measured: Measured at baseline (before intervention) and 48 hours after the last training session (week
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted26 Aug 2026
- Study start15 Sep 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion15 Nov 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion25 Nov 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Obesity & OverweightStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- 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
- Basic science
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three parallel groups: resistance training, electrical muscle stimulation (EMS), or control. Each group will receive their respective intervention over an 8-week period, with assessments conducted at baseline and post-intervention.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 42 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Birjand University of Medical Sciences
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Mohsen mohammadnia ahmadi, Birjand University of Medical Sciences
- Investigators
- Mohsen Mohammadnia Ahmadi, PhD, Principal investigator, university of birjand
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07787286
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- IR.BIRJAND.REC.1404.019
- Status last verified
- Aug 2026
- First submitted
- 16 Aug 2026
- Last updated
- 26 Aug 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: There is no plan to share individual participant data (IPD) due to ethical and privacy restrictions, as the data contain sensitive personal and physiological information of the participants. Additionally, informed consent was obtained only for the primary study objectives and does not cover secondary data sharing
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 26 Aug 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Comparison of the Effect of Eight Weeks of Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) Versus Resistance Training on Oxidative Stress Indicators and Cellular Health Index in Overweight and Obese Women
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07787286
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- IR.BIRJAND.REC.1404.019
- Conditions
- Obesity & Overweight
- Keywords
- Obesity, Overweight, Resistance Training, Electric Stimulation Therapy, Oxidative Stress, Phase Angle, Superoxide Dismutase, Catalase
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 42 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Birjand University of Medical SciencesUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 15 Sep 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 15 Nov 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 25 Nov 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 26 Aug 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.
This study aims to compare the effects of eight weeks of resistance training versus electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) on oxidative stress indicators and cellular health index in overweight and obese women aged 35-45 years. Forty-two participants will be randomly assigned to three groups: resistance training, EMS, and control. The resistance training group will perform progressive resistance exercises three times per week for eight weeks. The EMS group will receive electrical muscle stimulation on biceps, abdominal, back, and quadriceps muscles three times per week for eight weeks. The control group will receive no intervention. Oxidative stress markers including superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), catalase (CAT), glutathione, protein carbonyl (PC), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) will be measured from blood samples. Cellular health will be assessed using phase angle (PhA) derived from bioelectrical impedance analysis. Upper and lower body muscular strength and endurance will also be evaluated. All measurements will be taken at baseline and 48 hours after the last training session. The primary outcome is change in phase angle. Secondary outcomes include changes in oxidative stress markers and physical performance.
Detailed description
This is a quasi-experimental, pretest-posttest, parallel-group clinical trial with three arms: resistance training, electrical muscle stimulation (EMS), and control. Forty-two overweight and obese women (BMI 25-35 kg/m², aged 35-45 years) will be randomly assigned to the three groups (n=14 each). Participants must meet the inclusion criteria including no history of cardiovascular disease, no pregnancy or lactation, no use of medications affecting muscle or fat mass, and no recent lower/upper extremity injuries.
Intervention details:
Resistance training group: 8 weeks, 3 sessions/week, 50 minutes each session. Exercises include upper body, back, abdominal, and lower body movements. Training intensity will progress from 60% of 1RM in week 1 to 85% of 1RM in week 8.
EMS group: 8 weeks, 3 sessions/week, 30 minutes each session. EMS will be applied to biceps brachii, abdominals, back, and quadriceps muscles using frequency of 35-70 Hz, pulse duration 100 μs, and pulse period 50 ms. Electrode size: 150 × 240 mm. Intensity will be progressively increased over the 8 weeks.
Control group: No exercise intervention during the study period.
Outcome measurements:
Primary outcome: Phase angle (PhA) measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis (Inbody770).
Secondary outcomes: Serum levels of SOD, GPX, CAT, glutathione, PC, and TAC measured using ELISA kits. Upper body strength (bench press) and lower body strength (squat) measured via 1RM testing. Upper body endurance (push-up test) and lower body endurance (bodyweight squat test) measured in 60-second tests.
Statistical analysis: Data will be analyzed using ANCOVA with pretest scores as covariates. Correlation between phase angle changes and oxidative stress markers will be assessed using Pearson's correlation coefficient. All analyses will be performed using SPSS, with significance set at p < 0.05.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Basic science
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 3
- Model description
- Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three parallel groups: resistance training, electrical muscle stimulation (EMS), or control. Each group will receive their respective intervention over an 8-week period, with assessments conducted at baseline and post-intervention.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Resistance Training | Active comparator | Other: Resistance TrainingEight weeks of progressive resistance training, 3 sessions per week. Each session includes upper body, back, abdominal, and lower body exercises. Training intensity progresses from 60% of 1RM in week 1 to 85% of 1RM in week 8. |
| Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) | Experimental | Device: Electrical Muscle StimulationEight weeks of electrical muscle stimulation training, 3 sessions per week. EMS applied to biceps brachii, abdominals, back, and quadriceps muscles using frequency of 35-70 Hz, pulse duration 100 μs, and pulse period 50 ms. Electrode size: 150 × 240 mm. Intensity progressively increased over 8 weeks. |
| Control | Other | Other: No InterventionNo exercise intervention during the 8-week study period. Participants are asked to maintain their usual lifestyle and physical activity levels. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 35 to 45 years
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (8 listed)
- Healthy non-menopausal women aged 35 to 45 years
- Body mass index (BMI) between 25 and 35 kg/m²
- Similar menstrual cycle pattern
- No pregnancy or lactation
- No continuous medication affecting fat or muscle mass (based on health and fitness questionnaire)
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Inability to complete the intervention program
- Absence from more than three consecutive training sessions
- Failure to comply with the study protocol
- Development of any medical condition during the study period that contraindicates continued participation
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Resistance TrainingProgressive resistance training program including upper body (chest press), back (lat pulldown), abdominal (crunch), and lower body (squat) exercises. Performed 3 times per week for 8 weeks. Each session includes warm-up (10 min), main exercises (30 min), and cool-down (10 min). Intensity: 60-85% of 1RM, progressing weekly. | Other | Resistance Training |
| Electrical Muscle StimulationElectrical muscle stimulation applied to biceps brachii, abdominals, back, and quadriceps muscles using a commercial EMS device. Parameters: frequency 35-70 Hz, pulse duration 100 μs, pulse period 50 ms, electrode size 150 × 240 mm. Performed 3 times per week for 8 weeks, 15 minutes per session. Intensity progressively increased based on participant tolerance. | Device | Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) |
| No InterventionParticipants in the control group receive no exercise intervention during the 8-week study period. | Other | Control |
Primary outcome
Change in Phase Angle (PhA) as a Cellular Health Index
Time frame: Measured at baseline (before intervention) and 48 hours after the last training session (week 8).
Phase angle (PhA) measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis (Inbody770). PhA is calculated as the ratio of reactance (Xc) to resistance (R) and serves as an indicator of cellular health, membrane integrity, and cell function.
9 secondary outcomes
Change in Serum Superoxide Dismutase (SOD)
Time frame: Measured at baseline (before intervention) and 48 hours after the last training session (week 8).
Change in Upper Body Strength (Bench Press 1RM)
Time frame: Measured at baseline (before intervention) and 48 hours after the last training session (week 8).
Change in Lower Body Strength (Squat 1RM)
Time frame: Measured at baseline (before intervention) and 48 hours after the last training session (week 8).
Change in Upper Body Muscular Endurance (Push-Up Test)
Time frame: Measured at baseline (before intervention) and 48 hours after the last training session (week 8).
Change in Serum Glutathione Peroxidase (GPX)
Time frame: Measured at baseline (before intervention) and 48 hours after the last training session (week
Change in Serum Catalase (CAT)
Time frame: Measured at baseline (before intervention) and 48 hours after the last training session (week
Change in Serum Glutathione (GSH)
Time frame: Measured at baseline (before intervention) and 48 hours after the last training session (week
Change in Serum Protein Carbonyl (PC)
Time frame: Measured at baseline (before intervention) and 48 hours after the last training session (week
Change in Serum Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC)
Time frame: Measured at baseline (before intervention) and 48 hours after the last training session (week
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 26 Aug 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. There is no plan to share individual participant data (IPD) due to ethical and privacy restrictions, as the data contain sensitive personal and physiological information of the participants. Additionally, informed consent was obtained only for the primary study objectives and does not cover secondary data sharing
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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.
Mohsen Mohammadnia Ahmadi, PhD principal investigator
university of birjand
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Resistance Training and Electrical Muscle Stimulation in people with Obesity & Overweight, run by Birjand University of Medical Sciences at 1 site in Iran.
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 8 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: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 26 Aug 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 Iran. 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 Mohsen Ahmadi Mohammadnia, Assistant Proffessor (0985631026917, m.m.ahmadi2005@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change in Phase Angle (PhA) as a Cellular Health Index (time frame: Measured at baseline (before intervention) and 48 hours after the last training session (week 8).). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
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 26 Aug 2026.