Effects of Electrical Muscle Stimulation on Waist Circumstance in Adults with Adbominal Obesity: A Randomized, Double-blind, Sham-Controlled Trial

Effect of aerobic and resistive exercise on lipid profile and quality of life in overweight breastfeeding women: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Breastfeeding provides benefits for both mothers and babies. However, many women experience postpartum weight gain, unfavorable lipid profiles, and other postpartum problems that can adversely impact their overall quality of life (QoL).

OBJECTIVE

To examine the effect of adding aerobic and resistive exercise to faradic stimulation and nutritional counseling on lipid profile and QoL in overweight breastfeeding women.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Fifty-four breastfeeding women were randomly allocated into two equally sized groups. Group A underwent abdominal faradic stimulation along with nutritional counseling for 12 weeks, whereas Group B received identical faradic stimulation and nutritional counseling and engaged in a combined aerobic and resistive exercise program for the same duration. Before and after treatment, the following anthropometric measurements were evaluated: body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (W/H); lipid profile analysis, such as high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglycerides (TG); and the Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36).

RESULTS

All outcome measures demonstrated significant improvements within the two groups (p < 0.05). Group B showed more significant reductions in BMI, W/H ratio, and LDL, along with greater significant increases in the SF-36 domain scores for physical functioning, physical health problems, bodily pain, general health, energy/fatigue, social activity, mental health, and the total SF-36 score (p < 0.05) compared to group A post-treatment. However, there were no significant differences in HDL, TG, and the score of the emotional wellbeing domain of the SF-36 between the groups after treatment (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

12-week aerobic and resistive exercise is effective in reducing the BMI, W/H ratio, and LDL levels and enhancing the QoL in overweight breastfeeding women.

Adjunctive benefits of low-frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for obesity frequent chronic conditions: a systematic review

Background

Obesity is widely recognized for its role in predisposing individuals to a spectrum of chronic health conditions. Emerging preliminary evidence points to the potential benefits of low-frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (Lo-TENS) in enhancing various health outcomes among those with obesity and associated disorders.

Objective

This systematic review was designed to assess the effectiveness of Lo-TENS for managing obesity and its related chronic diseases.

Methods

For this systematic review, we included randomized controlled trials that evaluated the impact of Lo-TENS on individuals with obesity and its associated chronic diseases.

Results

Eight trials encompassing 671 participants and spanning three unique populations: essential hypertension (EH), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and obesity were deemed eligible for inclusion in this review. Compared to baseline measurements, Lo-TENS demonstrated a tendency to positively affect blood pressure in individuals with EH and metabolic parameters in those with T2DM. Nonetheless, the efficacy of Lo-TENS in treating obesity is not yet clear when contrasted with a no-intervention control group. When compared with other intervention modalities, three of the trials reported less favorable results.

Conclusions

Although Lo-TENS did not consistently surpass other treatments or yield substantial improvements, it generally provided greater benefits than the majority of placebo controls. This suggests that Lo-TENS could potentially serve as a beneficial adjunctive therapy in the management of obesity and its associated conditions. However, given the limited number of trials assessed, the elevated risk of bias within these studies, and the scarce evidence currently available, it is too early to reach definitive conclusions. Caution should be exercised when interpreting the current findings. There is an imperative for further high-quality research to thoroughly investigate and substantiate the efficacy of Lo-TENS in relation to obesity and its related disorders.

Effect of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation of T6 Dermatome on Appetite and Weight Reduction in Obese Individuals: A Pilot Study

BACKGROUND

Previous work demonstrated the beneficial effect of T6 dermatomal stimulation by the percutaneous method in managing obesity. However, a simple, cost-effective, and feasible intervention stimulating the dermatome can be a potential solution for obesity care.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to find the effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) of T6 dermatome on appetite and weight loss in obese individuals.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In this prospective single-arm experimental study, 20 obese patients received TENS treatment of T6 dermatome for 30 min, once a week and for 12 weeks. Outcome measures such as appetite level in the visual analog scale (VAS), weight in kg, and basal metabolic index (BMI) in kg/m2 were assessed at baseline, 12 weeks -post-intervention, and at 8 weeks of follow-up.

RESULTS

A statistically significant difference in all the variables was found from baseline to 12 weeks of intervention (P < 0.001) and maintained till 8 weeks of follow-up. From pre- to post-treatment, the effect size for appetite reduction was large (>1) while for weight and BMI loss was (0.14, 0.16), respectively small. Additionally, a weak correlation was found between pre- and follow-up appetite and weight loss (r = 0.25, P = 0.294).

CONCLUSIONS

Twelve weeks of TENS treatment of T6 dermatome showed a positive effect in reducing appetite with sustained reduction up to 8 weeks of follow-up even after completion of the intervention. However, in the absence of dietary modification, TENS treatment was associated with low effect sizes weight and BMI loss.

Can the use of photobiomodulation for localized fat reduction induce changes in lipid profile? A critical integrative review

The objective of this study is to clarify whether PBM for measures reduction can cause significant changes in the lipid profile. This is an integrative review and only original articles, both in vivo and clinical trials, that were published between 2010 and 2022 were selected. The article references were also analyzed to identify additional studies. A total of 15 articles were critically analyzed. The wavelength used ranged from 532 nm (green) to 956 nm (near infrared), and many authors failed to describe dosimetric parameters properly, as well as other important characteristics for the reproducibility of those found. Although it is not fully clear about the PBM interference level on the lipid profile, in general, there was no significant difference in lipid parameters when PBM was used alone, and when associated with techniques that promote beta-oxidation, there was an improvement in these biochemical variables. PBM use for localized fat reduction do not affect lipid serum levels. Clinical trials using standardized parameters are crucial to obtain more reliable results.

Comparison of Lateral Abdominal Musculature Activation during Expiration with an Expiratory Flow Control Device Versus the Abdominal Drawing-in Maneuver in Healthy Women: A Cross-Sectional Observational Pilot Study

Background and Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to quantify and compare lateral abdominal musculature thickness, including the transverse abdominis (TrA), internal oblique (IO), and external oblique (EO) muscles, via rehabilitative ultrasound imaging (RUSI) during the use of the expiratory flow control device (EFCD) versus the classic abdominal drawing-in maneuver (ADIM). Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational pilot study. Twenty-one women were recruited and assessed the thickness of each muscle (TrA, IO, and EO) by ultrasound imaging at rest, during the ADIM, and during expiration with the EFCD. Waist circumference was also measured under the same circumstances. Results: Statistically significant differences were observed between ADIM, EFCD, and at rest condition for the thickness of the TrA (p = 0.001) and IO (p = 0.039). Moreover, statistically significant differences for TrAb at rest compared with the ADIM (p = 0.001, Cohen’s d = 2.183) and at rest and with the EFCD (p = 0.001, Cohen’s d = 2.843). In addition, between ADIM and EFCD were not statistically significant, although a moderate effect size was found (p = 0.055, Cohen’s d = 0.694). For the IO muscle thickness, significant differences were reported between the EFCD and at rest (p = 0.038), Cohen’s d = 0.081). Conclusions: Significant differences in the increase of the thickness of the TrA and IO muscles during the use of the EFCD and the ADIM with respect to rest. In addition, for the TrA, statistically significant differences were found during expiration with the EFCD with respect to the ADIM. Expiration with EFCD can be a useful method for the activation of the TrA.