Effects of Whole-Body Electromyostimulation Associated with Dynamic Exercise on Functional Capacity and Heart Rate Variability After Bariatric Surgery: a Randomized, Double-Blind, and Sham-Controlled Trial

Author(s)

Ricci, Paula Angelica ^[1] ; Di Thommazo-Luporini, Luciana ^[1] ; Jurgensen, Soraia Pilon ^[1] ; Andre, Larissa Delgado ^[1] ; Haddad, Guilherme Focchi ^[2] ; Arena, Ross ^[3] ; Borghi-Silva, Audrey ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Fed Univ Sao Carlos UFSCar, Cardiopulm Phys Therapy Lab, Rod Washington Luis, Km 235, BR-13565905 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

^[2] Gastro Vita Med Special Ctr, Araraquara, SP - Brazil

^[3] Univ Illinois, Dept Phys Therapy, Coll Appl Hlth Sci, Chicago, IL - USA

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: OBESITY SURGERY; v. 30, n. 10 MAY 2020.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

Purpose Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for morbid obesity. In association with dietary restrictions, the ability to exercise in the immediate post-surgical phase is limited. In this context, whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS), strategy that stimulates various muscle groups, in conjunction with physical exercise, holds promise for improving functional capacity, and cardiac autonomic control, following surgery. The purpose of this study was to analyze whether a rehabilitation program consisting of WB-EMS with 30 exercise training sessions following bariatric surgery significantly improves functional capacity, body mass and heart rate variability (HRV). Methods Randomized, double-blind, and sham-controlled trial. Twenty obesity patients were randomized into the WB-EMS (n = 10) and sham (n = 10) groups. On average, 7 days after surgery, individuals underwent a six-minute walk test (6MWT), HRV, and body composition analysis at rest. The next day, patients initiated an exercise training protocol, five times per week, over 6 weeks. Walking distance changes (post-pre = Delta WD) obtained by 6MWT and HRV indices were determined following the intervention. Results Only WB-EMSG significantly increased WD and body mass index (BMI) after the intervention (p = 0.002) and Delta WD was significantly higher in this group when compared with sham (p = 0.04). Moreover, both groups demonstrated an improvement in key measures of HRV after the intervention. Conclusion An exercise training intervention initiated shortly after bariatric surgery improved functional capacity and cardiac autonomic tone. Improvements in functional capacity and BMI following exercise training were greater with the addition of WB-EMS but did not promote additional improvements in HRV beyond that realized with exercise training alone. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/13332-5 - Effects of whole-body electromyostimulation on cardiac autonomic control and functional capacity of obese individuals after bariatric surgery
• Grantee: Paula Angélica Ricci
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 15/04101-1 - Clinical, functional and systemic effects of whole-body electrical stimulation after bariatric surgery
• Grantee: Audrey Borghi Silva
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants