Effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on glycemic control: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Frontiers in Endocrinology, 2023 · DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1222532 · Published: July 31, 2023

Simple Explanation

Physical inactivity increases the risk of metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes. NMES is an alternative method to induce muscle contraction. The review aimed to determine the effectiveness of NMES on glycemic control. This systematic review and meta-analysis included thirty-five studies and found that NMES improves glycemic control. The meta-analysis consisted of nine randomized controlled trials with 180 participants. NMES could be considered a therapeutic strategy to improve glycemic control in individuals with physical impairments and/or metabolic disorders. NMES protocols varied across studies and requires standardization.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

180 participants in meta-analysis (91 NMES, 89 control)

Evidence Level

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Key Findings

1
Existing evidence suggested that NMES effectively improves glycemic control predominantly in middle-aged and elderly population with type 2 diabetes, obesity, and spinal cord injury.
2
The meta-analysis reported that NMES intervention lowered fasting blood glucose (SMD: 0.48; 95% CI: 0.17 to 0.78; p=0.002; I²=0%).
3
Additional analysis also confirmed a significant effect of NMES on improving glycemic control (SMD: 0.41; 95% CI: 0.09 to 0.72; p=0.01; I²=11%).

Research Summary

This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the effects of NMES on glycemic control. NMES is effective in improving glucose utilization and glycemic control in populations with physical impairments and/or metabolic disorders. Acute application of NMES increases glucose utilization in healthy, T2D, and SCI populations. Meta-analysis suggests NMES can improve chronic glycemic control, specifically in populations with obesity, T2D, SCI, and cystic fibrosis. Present literature indicates both low and high intensity NMES with varied frequency has been effective in acutely increasing glucose utilization as well as improving insulin sensitivity.

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation

NMES can be incorporated into rehabilitation for muscle strengthening and maintenance of muscle mass.

Aesthetic Medicine

NMES is being used for body contouring in aesthetic medicine to selectively increase muscle mass and tone in muscle groups of the body.

Treatment of Metabolic Disorders

NMES has the potential to be incorporated into the multidimensional treatment of obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes.

Study Limitations

1
Limited number of randomized controlled trials.
2
Studies predominantly conducted in population with T2D and SCI.
3
Literature is not adequate to conclude the effects of NMES on substrate utilization or body composition.

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