The Effects of Squat Exercise Combined with Electromyostimulation on Dynamic Balance and Functional Exercise Ability in Women Suspected Sarcopenia

This study aimed to identify the effects of squats combined with EMS on dynamic balance and functional ability in females suspected of sarcopenia. It recruited 30 female subjects suspected of sarcopenia. They were randomly divided into an experimental group wearing EMS and a control group without EMS, each with 15 members. Both groups received 30 minutes of intervention programs. Measurements were used before and after the intervention. The dynamic balance ability was measured by the star excursion balance test (SEBT), and the functional ability was measured by the vertical jump test and functional movement screen (FMS). The following statistical analyses were performed: a paired t-test for each group and an independent t-test between two groups. In SEBT, except for the anterior side direction, there were all significant increases between the experimental and control groups (p<.05). While the vertical jump test and FMS did not show significant effects in either group comparison, two tests demonstrated a significant increase in the experimental group before and after the intervention. These results suggest that squats with EMS may be effective for the dynamic balance ability in females suspected of sarcopenia.