Abstract Rationale Skeletal muscle weakness is a frequent extra cardiopulmonary manifestation of Heart Failure (HF), contributing to reduced functional capacity and poorer prognosis. Handgrip strength (HGS) provides a practical measure of global muscle function, while the two-minute step test (2MST) reflects submaximal functional capacity. Innovative strategies, such as whole-body electrical stimulation (WB-EMS), has emerged as an alternative approach capable of enhancing muscle activation, even in individuals with limited exercise tolerance. However, its effects on muscle strength and functional capacity in HF remain underexplored. Objectives To investigate the effects of WB-EMS training program on HGS and functional capacity, assessed by the 2MST in patients with HF. Methods Twenty-three individuals with stable HF were randomly assigned to a WB-EMS group or SHAM control group. Baseline assessments included body composition, symptoms (NYHA), echocardiography, 2MST, and HGS. Both groups performed 15 supervised training sessions (15 minutes each, three times per week). The WB-EMS group received electrical stimulation (twice a week - strength training: 30 Hz, 350 µs, duty cycle 4s on/10s off and once a week - endurance training: 85 Hz, 350 µs, duty cycle 6s on/4s off), while the SHAM group received the same protocol without active current. Post-intervention reassessments were performed using identical procedures. Results Participants were predominantly male (73.9%); mean age was 60 years in the WB-EMS group and 57 years in the SHAM group, with mean ejection fractions of 41% and 37%, respectively. No between-group differences were found in HGS either pre- or post-intervention (p = 0.46 and p = 0.47), but a significant time × group interaction was observed (p 0.001; effect size=0.41), suggesting distinct adaptive responses. Functional capacity, measured by 2MST, improved significantly in the WB-EMS group (+12 steps; p 0.001), with a significant time × group interaction (p = 0.01; effect size=0.26). Conclusions Although global muscle strenght did not significantly differ between groups, WB-EMS elicited unique adaptative resonses and markedly improves funcional capacity. These findings support WB-EMS as a promissing, time-efficient strategy to enhance peripheral performance and promote functional recovery in patients with HF, particularly those with limited exercise tolerance. This abstract is funded by: CAPES-001; FAPESP: 2015/04101-1; CNPq: 175212/2023-6
Camargo et al. (Fri,) studied this question.