Obesities · Published 2026-07-17 · DOI 10.3390/obesities6040055
Lena Seite, Mélodie Garot, Madeline Gate, Cristian Preda, Marion Buyse, Marie-André Salaun
Background: Regular physical activity is recommended for obesity management, but adherence remains difficult for many patients. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (EMS) has been proposed as an adjunctive intervention. Methods: In this prospective, single-center, randomized controlled trial, adults with severe or morbid obesity (BMI ≥ 35 kg/m<sup>2</sup>) enrolled in a three-week inpatient rehabilitation program were randomized 1:1 to rehabilitation program alone (control group) or rehabilitation supplemented with EMS (5 sessions/week, 20 min/session, 75 Hz). Outcomes assessed at admission and discharge included body composition, lipid and glucose metabolism, continuous glucose monitoring, physical capacity, quality of life, adherence, and safety. Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in BMI, waist circumference, body composition, lipid and carbohydrate profiles, and physical performance assessed by the 6 min walk test, without significant between-group differences. BMI decreased by −0.9 kg/m<sup>2</sup> in controls and −1.2 kg/m<sup>2</sup> in the EMS group (both <i>p</i> < 0.001). Waist circumference also decreased significantly in both groups. EMS showed a potential effect on continuous glucose monitoring parameters, but this was no longer significant after adjustment for diabetes status. Conclusions: Adding EMS to inpatient rehabilitation did not provide additional benefits for weight loss or body composition.)
Abstract from DOAJ. Public domain (CC0 1.0).
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Seite, L., Garot, M., Gate, M., et al. (2026). Effect of Supplementing Physical Rehabilitation with Electrostimulation in People with Obesity: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Obesities. https://doi.org/10.3390/obesities6040055