The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of 8 weeks of strength training (ST) combined with whole-body electrical stimulation (EMS) on morphofunctional adaptations in active individuals. Fifty-eight volunteers were randomly distributed into the following groups: an untrained control (UN) group (n=16), an ST group (n=21) or an ST combined with EMS (ST+EMS) group (n=21). Both intervention groups (the ST and ST+EMS groups) performed 3 exercises (biceps curl, back squats and high-pulley tricep extensions) twice a week for 8 weeks. The subjects performed 3 sets of 8 to 12 maximum repetitions (MRs) with a 90-second rest duration between sets. The ST+EMS group performed the resistance training exercises wearing a whole-body suit that provided electrical stimulation at frequencies between 80-85 Hz, with a continuously bipolar impulse duration and pulse breadth of 350 µs. The intensity for each muscle group was controlled by Borg's category ratio (CR)-10 scale; the intensity started at 5-6 and eventually reached 7-8. One-repetition maximum strength (1RM) and muscle thickness (MT) were measured before and after the training intervention. MT was evaluated in the biceps brachii (BB), triceps brachii (TB), and vastus lateralis (VL). No differences (p>0.05) were found between the ST and ST+EMS groups. Improvements (p<0.05) in the absolute values of the morphofunctional parameters after the training protocol were observed. Significant differences were found between both the intervention groups and the UN group (p<0.05). The ST+EMS group presented high percentage changes (p<0.05) in muscular strength for the 1RMsquat (43.2%, ES=1.64) and the MT of the BB (21.6%, ES=1.21) compared to the ST (20.5%, ES=1.43, 11.9%, ES=0.77) group. Our data suggest that the combination of ST+EMS may promote alterations in muscle strength and MT in healthy active subjects.

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of 12-week resistance training (RT) on muscle strength, dynamic balance, glycemic control and the lipid profile. Methods: The Laboratory of Movement Studies in the University of São Paulo, Brazil, developed this longitudinal study between 2021 and 2023. It assessed 62 males with type 2 diabetes mellitus pre and post an RT protocol. The participants, who were 69.8 (±3.9) years old, took part in a 12-week twice-weekly RT program. Three sets of eight to twelve repetitions each were executed for eight exercises targeting the large muscle groups. The intensity was set between 7 and 8 out of 10 for perceived effort, according to the Omni Resistance Exercise Scale. All participants were evaluated pre and post in knee extensor and flexor strength by isokinetic dynamometry, handgrip strength by manual dynamometry and dynamic postural balance by a force platform, as well as blood tests to determine the lipid and glycemic profiles. For comparison, paired t or Wilcoxon tests were used at an alpha of 5%. Results: There was an improvement in muscular strength by handgrip restricted to the non-dominant side (p = 0.033) and for the bilateral knee flexors (p < 0.001) and extensors (p < 0.001), as determined by isokinetic dynamometry. There was no improvement in dynamic postural balance, glycemic control or lipid control. Conclusions: The 12-week RT promoted improved muscle strength in knee extension and flexion and non-dominant grip pressure but did not affect dynamic balance, glycemic control or the lipid profile.