1. Background
One approach to increasing muscle strength is the potential of electrical myostimulation (EMS), which provides electrical stimulation to skeletal muscles. Regarding the evidence on EMS for the prevention of sarcopenia onset and progression, this HQ conducted an umbrella review, a comprehensive literature search method for systematic reviews and meta‐analyses. The effectiveness and significance of EMS in preventing the onset and progression of sarcopenia were examined in older adults.
2. Evidence Evaluation
One study was employed in the systematic review, with a sample size of 508 participants (Figure 1) [1, 2]. The intervention consisted of stimulating both lower extremities or the trunk using EMS, with programs ranging from 4 to 54 weeks. Outcomes used for validation included Skeletal Muscle Mass Index (SMI), muscle strength (grip strength), and physical function (gait speed, Timed Up and Go test [TUG], Short Physical Performance Battery [SPPB]), which are components of sarcopenia. The meta‐analysis revealed that EMS significantly enhanced muscle strength, but did not result in significant changes in muscle mass or physical function. No significant safety concerns were found in the EMS intervention. Since very few studies met the eligibility criteria in this review, and the accepted articles did not identify sufficient evidence, larger, higher‐quality studies are necessary in the future. Only one systematic review focusing on RCTs was approved, and it did not conclude that EMS interventions contribute to the prevention of the onset and progression of sarcopenia, and weakly suggested that EMS be used for sarcopenia in older adults.
FIGURE 1.
Heatmap of intervention effects. ADL, activities of daily living; EMS, electrical muscle stimulation; SPPB, Short Physical Performance Battery; TUG, Timed Up and Go.
3. Balance of Benefits and Harms
No adverse events were reported in the literature employed. While improvement in muscle strength has been shown to be an effect of the intervention, future findings on the balance of benefits and harms associated with this intervention are awaited.
4. Values and Preferences of Patients and the Public
Citizen representatives participated in the meetings to formulate healthcare questions and the vote to decide on recommendations, and the recommendations were formulated based on their wishes as much as possible.
5. Resource Use and Cost‐Effectiveness
For older adults at risk for sarcopenia, there is a need to provide sufficient scientific evidence that EMS interventions prevent the onset and progression of sarcopenia, and future high‐quality evidence building is anticipated.
6. Future Research
It is expected to accumulate high‐quality evidence on effective EMS content, frequency and duration of interventions to prevent the onset and progression of sarcopenia in older adults, also taking into account generational and gender differences.
Disclosure
S.O. has disclosed financial relationships with Daiichi Sankyo Co. Ltd., and Tanabe Mitsubishi Pharma Corporation. M.A. has disclosed financial relationships with Daiichi Sankyo Co. Ltd., MSD K.K. Toa Eiyo Co. Ltd., Towa Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Eisai Co. Ltd., Kracie Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Tsumura Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Tanabe Mitsubishi Pharma Corporation, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Ono Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Astellas Pharma Inc., Bayer Yakuhin Ltd.
Acknowledgments
This document is the official English translation of the Japanese version published by the Japanese Association for Sarcopenia and Frailty and the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology in March 2025 [1]. This work was supported by the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED) under the project “Project for Establishing Research and Development Infrastructure for the Social Implementation of Prevention and Health Promotion/Healthcare Social Implementation Infrastructure Development Project” (Management No. JP22rea522005).
References
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