Bibliometric Analysis of Studies on Whole Body Electromyostimulation.

Whole Body Electromyostimulation [WB-EMS] is a training methodology that applies electrostimulation in the main muscle groups of the human body superimposed with active training exercises. This study aims to carry out a bibliometric analysis on WB-EMS to provide an overview of the state of research and provide new insights for research in the field. METHOD: One hundred and two citations extracted were examined using a bibliometric approach based on data stored in the Web of Science Core Collection, applying traditional bibliometric laws, and using VOSviewer and excel for data and metadata processing. RESULTS: Among the results, this study points out that Germany is the country that produces more scientific knowledge on WB-EMS. Wolfgang Kemmler is the most relevant author in this field. Moreover, Frontier of Physiology is the journal where the authors publish the most. CONCLUSION: Research on WB-EMS has been growing in recent years. German and Spanish researchers lead two clusters where most studies and collaborations in this field are carried out. These findings will provide a better understanding of the state of WB-EMS research and may guide the emergence of new lines of investigation and research ideas.

Profile of Whole Body Electromyostimulation Training Users-A Pilot Study.

(1) Introduction: Whole Body Electromyostimulation is a technological and time efficient personal training practiced all over the world. With the increase of practitioners in the last 10 years, the need to study more about practitioners has arisen, so this pilot study aims to trace a user profile of this method through the analysis of socio-demographic data for a better understand of the profile of people looking for this type of training to improve the effectiveness of the intervention and develop programs that are in accordance with the motivation of practitioners. (2) Methods: 270 users from 5 countries answered an online questionnaire with socio-demographic questions. Data were treated using descriptive statistics. Possible differences between sexes and between groups were analyzed by means of non-parametric statistical tests: Mann−Whitney U-test (continuous variables); in addition to studying possible dependence relationships and differences between proportions, using the Chi-square statistic with pairwise z-test using the Bonferroni correction (categorical variables). (3) Results: Middle-aged women are the main user of this type of training. The majority of WB-EMS users do another type of physical activity with significant difference between men and woman (p < 0.05) men are more active than women. Weight loss, health and wellness and muscle mass increase are the main goals of the WB-EMS users. There are significant differences in weight loss and rehabilitation between genders (p < 0.05). Women look much more than men to lose weight and men look more than women to rehabilitation. (4) Conclusions: The user profile is a physically active woman, aged 35−49 years, with normal weight and high educational level, who carries out twice weekly full body electrostimulation training with the goals of weight loss, health and/or wellness and muscle mass gain.

The effects of whole-body muscle stimulation on body composition and strength parameters: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This study will analyze the effect of Whole Body Electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) in strength and body composition outcomes in adult population. METHODS: This study will search the following electronic databases up to July 21, 2020: PubMed, WOS, Scopus, SPORTDiscus y EMBASE. There will be no language limitation. Two authors will independently identify titles/abstracts and full text all potential studies, and will collect data from eligible studies. Additionally, study quality will be assessed by PEDro Scale risk of bias. We will conduct meta-analysis if enough trials are included. RESULTS: This study will explore the effects of WB-EMS in strength and body composition outcomes. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study may summarize the effectiveness of WB-EMS in increasing strength and improving body composition in adult population. INPLASY REGISTRATION NUMBER: INPLASY202120050.

Effects of Ganoderma lucidum and Ceratonia siliqua on blood glucose, lipid profile, and body composition in women with fibromyalgia.

INTRODUCTION: Introduction: fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic rheumatic disorder that is related to high levels of cholesterol, high values of diastolic pressure, higher waist-to-hip-ratio (WHR), and higher body mass index. Objectives: the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Ganoderma lucidum (GL) and Ceratonia siliqua (CS) on blood parameters and anthropometrical measures in women with fibromyalgia. Methods: a double-blind randomized pilot trial was carried out. One group took 6 g/day of micro-milled carpophore powder of GL for 6 weeks, while the second group took the same dose of CS flour. Fasting glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides levels, weight, fat mass, muscular mass, waist-hip ratio, and blood pressure were assessed. Results: our results did not show any statistically significant differences in any of the outcome measures, even if there was a CS tendency to reduce fasting glucose levels and increase WHR. Conclusions: our results did not support the utility of both GL and CS as nutritional supplements to control blood parameters and anthropometric measures as assessed in women with fibromyalgia. Due to the limitations of the research, additional studies will be necessary to confirm our findings.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción: la fibromialgia (FM) es una afección reumática crónica que está relacionada con altos niveles de colesterol, altos valores de presión diastólica, una mayor relación cintura-cadera y un mayor índice de masa corporal. Objetivos: el objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar los efectos de Ganoderma lucidum (GL) y Ceratonia siliqua (CS) sobre los parámetros sanguíneos y antropométricos de mujeres con fibromialgia. Métodos: se realizó un ensayo piloto aleatorizado con doble ciego. Un grupo tomó 6 g/día de carpóforos micromolidos de GL durante 6 semanas, mientras que el segundo grupo tomó la misma dosis de harina de CS. Se evaluaron los niveles de glucosa, colesterol y triglicéridos, el peso, la masa grasa, la masa muscular, la relación cintura-cadera y la presión arterial. Resultados: los resultados no han evidenciado ninguna diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre el GL y la CS en ninguna de las medidas analizadas, aunque hubo tendencia de la CS a reducir los niveles de glucosa y aumentar la relación cintura-cadera. Conclusiones: los resultados obtenidos indican que la suplementación de la dieta con GL y CS no tiene efectos positivos sobre los parámetros sanguíneos y antropométricos analizados en las mujeres con fibromialgia. Debido a las limitaciones del estudio, será necesario confirmar estos datos con ulteriores investigaciones.

Equine-assisted activities and therapies in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A systematic review.

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterized by problems of inattention and impulsive hyperactivity in children. Equine-assisted activities and therapies (EAATs) have been used as alternative non-pharmacological intervention option in patients with ADHD. WHAT DOES THIS PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: Nowadays, more studies of high methodological quality are needed to determine whether EAAT is an effective intervention for the treatment in children with ADHD. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: Between 15 and 40 min of rising horses, 8-32 total sessions, for 4-32 weeks, seem to be beneficial to reduce the symptoms of ADHD. ABSTRACT: INTRODUCTION: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a disorder characterized by problems of inattention and impulsive hyperactivity. Equine-assisted activities and therapies (EAATs) have become an emerging non-pharmacological intervention option in patients with ADHD. AIM: To perform a systematic review of updated literature about EAAT in children with ADHD. METHOD: A systematic review was performed until 28 November 2019, in four electronic databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and Google Scholar. The inclusion criteria were as follows: (a) intervention programme, with pre- and post-data, based on EAAT, (b) children with ADHD and (c) articles written in English. RESULTS: A total of 9 articles were found that meet the inclusion criteria. The evidence level was C for 7 studies and B for 2 studies. The level of conclusion was 3. DISCUSSION: There are few studies with high methodological quality, and there is a high heterogeneity in the variables included, what make that the level of evidence and conclusion are low. CONCLUSION: There is no account with enough studies of high methodological quality to determine whether EAAT is an effective intervention for the treatment in children with ADHD.

Ganoderma lucidum Effects on Mood and Health-Related Quality of Life in Women with Fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia syndrome is a chronic rheumatic disorder characterized by generalized and widespread musculoskeletal pain. It is associated with several secondary symptoms such as psychological and pain-specific distress, which can directly impact daily functioning and quality of life, like anxiety and depression. The Ganoderma lucidum (GL) mushroom seems to be able to improve fibromyalgia symptoms, including depression and pain. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effects of GL on happiness, depression, satisfaction with life, and health-related quality of life in women with fibromyalgia. A double-blind, randomized placebo pilot trial was carried out, with one group taking 6 g/day of micro-milled GL carpophores for 6 weeks, during which the second group took a placebo. Our results did not show any statistically significant between-group differences, although a distinct trend of improved levels of happiness and satisfaction with life and reduced depression were evident at the end of treatment compared to the baseline in the GL group. However, due to the limitations of the study protocol, additional studies are necessary to confirm these findings.

Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on VO2max: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The purpose of this study was to systematically review the scientific literature about the effects of supplementation with Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max), as well as to provide directions for clinical practice. A systematic search was conducted in three electronic databases following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Guidelines (PRISMA). The inclusion criteria were: (a) VO2max data, with means ± standard deviation before and after the supplement intervention, (b) the study was randomized controlled trial (RCT), (c) the article was written in English. The quality of evidence was evaluated according to the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. A meta-analysis was performed to determine effect sizes. Five studies were selected in the systematic review (162 participants) and four were included in the meta-analysis (142 participants). Results showed a significant enhancement in VO2max in healthy adults and athletes (p = 0.04). The mean difference was 3.00 (95% CI from 0.18 to 5.82) with high heterogeneity. In conclusion, Ashwagandha supplementation might improve the VO2max in athlete and non-athlete people. However, further research is need to confirm this hypothesis since the number of studies is limited and the heterogeneity was high.