Effects of Electrical Stimulation on Body Composition in Obese Postmenopausal Women
Author Information
Author(s): Chien Li-Wei, Lin Miao-Hsiang, Chung Hsueh-Yu, Liu Chi-Feng
Primary Institution: Taipei Medical University and Hospital
Hypothesis
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of transcutaneous electric acupoint stimulations (TEAS) on body composition and heart rate variability (HRV) in postmenopausal women with obesity.
Conclusion
TEAS treatment improves body composition and has a transient effect on heart rate variability in postmenopausal women with obesity.
Supporting Evidence
- Waist circumference and percentage body fat in the experimental group were significantly less than those of the control group at the 8th and 12th weeks.
- Percentage lean body mass in the experimental group was significantly greater than that in the control group at the same time points.
- SDNN values increased significantly at the 4th and 8th weeks when compared with the control group.
Takeaway
The study found that using electrical stimulation on specific points in the body helped reduce fat and waist size in older women who are overweight.
Methodology
This was a prospective study with 49 postmenopausal women, where one group received TEAS treatment and the other did not, measuring body composition and HRV at multiple time points.
Potential Biases
Potential biases include the influence of participants' mental status and the study's cross-sectional nature, which limits causal inferences.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size, a relatively short duration, and lacked adequate control for possible placebo effects.
Participant Demographics
All participants were postmenopausal women with obesity, aged under 64 years, with specific body fat and waist circumference criteria.
Statistical Information
P-Value
P < .05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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