Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation for Insulin Resistance

Overseen By Sudip Bajpeyi, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Texas, El Paso

Must not be taking: Anti-hypertensives, Lipid-lowering, Insulin sensitizers

Disqualifiers: Alcohol, Drug abuse, Smoking, others

Approved in 2 Jurisdictions This treatment is already approved in other countries

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 7

Duration: 8 weeks

80 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores whether neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), which uses electrical impulses to make muscles contract, can improve insulin resistance. Participants will be divided into four groups to try different combinations of exercise and NMES, or exercise alone. The trial aims to determine if NMES can enhance body composition and insulin sensitivity, crucial for managing conditions like diabetes. It suits individuals who are overweight or obese, lead a sedentary lifestyle, and exercise less than 150 minutes per week. As an unphased trial, it provides a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could lead to new treatment strategies.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial excludes people who are using anti-hypertensive, lipid-lowering, or insulin sensitizing medications, so you would need to stop taking these medications to participate.

What prior data suggests that Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation is safe for insulin resistance?

Research shows that neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is generally safe. Past studies have used NMES to help manage blood sugar levels and increase muscle strength. Most participants handled NMES well, with few reports of serious side effects. Some might experience mild discomfort, such as tingling or slight muscle soreness, but these sensations usually subside quickly. Overall, this treatment has been successful in people with type 2 diabetes and obesity, suggesting that NMES is a promising way to improve health without major safety concerns. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Most treatments for insulin resistance, like medications and lifestyle changes, work by enhancing insulin sensitivity or reducing glucose production. But Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) offers a fresh approach by using electrical impulses to stimulate muscle contractions, potentially mimicking the effects of physical exercise. Researchers are excited because NMES might improve muscle glucose uptake without needing traditional exercise, which could be a game-changer for individuals who have difficulty exercising due to physical limitations. This method could provide a new avenue for managing insulin resistance, particularly for those unable to engage in regular physical activity.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for insulin resistance?

Studies have shown that neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) can improve how the body handles sugar, particularly in middle-aged and older adults with type 2 diabetes and obesity. Research indicates that using NMES for just two to four weeks can enhance blood sugar control. One study found that NMES improved insulin response after just two weeks. Another study reported significantly lower blood sugar levels during NMES sessions compared to sessions without it. In this trial, participants in the NMES arm will receive stimulation up to the maximum tolerable level, while those in the Resistance Training + NMES arm will receive exercise training with NMES. These findings suggest that NMES might help the body use and control sugar more effectively. ^{1 3 5 6 7}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals with insulin resistance who are willing to follow a specific diet and participate in an 8-week study involving different types of muscle stimulation and exercise. Participants will be divided into groups, some receiving neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), others doing resistance training, or both. They must wear an accelerometer for a week before the study starts.

Inclusion Criteria

My BMI is 25 or higher.

Sedentary Lifestyle: Physical Activity Level <1.4

Less than 150min/week of structured Exercise

Exclusion Criteria

Excessive alcohol, drug abuse, smoking

I am taking medication for high blood pressure, cholesterol, or to control my blood sugar.

Pregnant Women

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

Pre-intervention Assessment

Participants wear an accelerometer for 7 days and follow a standardized diet to assess physical activity levels and collect pre-intervention data on insulin sensitivity

1 week

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Participants undergo an 8-week electrical stimulation intervention, randomized into different groups (placebo/control, NMES, RT + NMES, RT), with data collection post-intervention

8 weeks

3 visits (in-person), self-administered at home

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, including measurements for body composition, resting metabolic rate, VO2max, insulin sensitivity, and comprehensive blood work

4 weeks

2 visits (in-person)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation

Trial Overview The trial tests if neuromuscular electrical stimulation can improve metabolism in people with insulin resistance. It compares NMES alone, resistance training alone, a combination of both, and a control group getting sensory-level stimulation without muscle contractions.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Resistance Training + NMES Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Participants will receive exercise training with stimulation up to maximum tolerable intensity.

Group II: NMES Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will receive stimulation up to maximum tolerable level.

Group III: Resistance Training Placebo Group 2 Interventions

Participants will receive exercise training with stimulation up to sensory level.

Group IV: Control Placebo Group 1 Intervention

Participants will receive stimulation only up to sensory level.

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation is already approved in United States, European Union for the following indications:

Approved in United States as NMES for:

• Improving glycemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes and obesity

Approved in European Union as Electrical Muscle Stimulation for:

• Management of type 2 diabetes
• Improvement of insulin sensitivity

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Texas, El Paso

Lead Sponsor

Trials

17

Recruited

3,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Obese mice show insulin resistance in skeletal muscle due to a decrease in insulin receptors and alterations beyond the receptor level, leading to impaired glucose transport and reduced glycogen synthesis.

Serum from a patient with insulin resistance contains antibodies that inhibit insulin binding and mimic insulin effects, but it is less effective than insulin in stimulating glycogen synthesis, indicating different mechanisms of action.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Studies of insulin insensitivity in soleus muscles of obese mice. Le Marchand-Brustel, Y., Freychet, P.[2019]

A 4-week study involving 10 sedentary overweight or obese adults showed that neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) significantly improved glucose tolerance compared to a control group, indicating its potential as an effective intervention for metabolic health.

Despite the improvements in glucose tolerance, NMES did not result in changes in substrate utilization or muscle mass, suggesting that while NMES can enhance metabolic function, it may not directly increase muscle size or energy expenditure.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Four weeks of electrical stimulation improves glucose tolerance in a sedentary overweight or obese Hispanic population. Galvan, MJ., Sanchez, MJ., McAinch, AJ., et al.[2022]

A systematic review of 35 studies, including a meta-analysis of 9 randomized controlled trials with 180 participants, found that neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) significantly lowers fasting blood glucose levels, indicating its effectiveness in improving glycemic control, especially in middle-aged and elderly individuals with type 2 diabetes and obesity.

The results suggest that NMES could be a beneficial therapeutic strategy for enhancing glycemic control in populations with physical impairments or metabolic disorders, although the protocols used in the studies varied and need standardization.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on glycemic control: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sanchez, MJ., Mossayebi, A., Sigaroodi, S., et al.[2023]

In a study involving 8 individuals with type 2 diabetes, low-frequency neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) significantly reduced glucose levels after a glucose load compared to control conditions, indicating its potential efficacy in managing blood sugar levels.

The results also showed a strong positive correlation between the intensity of NMES and the reduction in blood glucose, suggesting that higher stimulation intensity may enhance glucose uptake in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of Low Frequency Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Glucose Profile of Persons with Type 2 Diabetes: A Pilot Study. Jabbour, G., Belliveau, L., Probizanski, D., et al.[2018]

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) can effectively retrain muscles and improve strength, particularly in the quadriceps, by adjusting parameters like pulse duration (400 to 600 μs) and pulse frequency (30 to 50 Hz) to optimize torque production while minimizing discomfort and fatigue.

Clinicians should consider optimal electrode placement and conditioning programs to further enhance the effectiveness of NMES, ensuring better patient outcomes during rehabilitation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Can the Use of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Be Improved to Optimize Quadriceps Strengthening? Glaviano, NR., Saliba, S.[2019]

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) may fail to elicit muscle responses due to underlying peripheral nerve damage, as demonstrated in two case studies involving patients with unexpected neuropathies.

Simple reaction of degeneration (R/D) tests can effectively identify nerve lesions, guiding further diagnostic evaluations for patients experiencing significant muscle weakness or paralysis.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Utilizing the reaction of degeneration test for individuals with focal paralysis. Holland, TJ.[2021]

Insulin action involves several key biochemical events, including receptor autophosphorylation and glucose transporter translocation, which ultimately increase glucose transport and stimulate metabolic processes like glycogen synthesis.

In conditions like insulin resistance, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes, the primary issue is often the impaired transport of glucose into muscle tissues, with more severe cases also showing defects in insulin signaling beyond the receptor level.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Insulin receptors and action in clinical disorders of carbohydrate tolerance. Pollet, RJ.[2019]

Insulin resistance (IR) primarily affects the body's ability to take up glucose, but it is also linked to a broader range of metabolic disorders, including type 2 diabetes and heart disease, especially in the context of rising obesity rates.

The review discusses the causes and clinical implications of IR, highlighting its significance in the management of various metabolic conditions and the need for effective treatment strategies.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Insulin resistance syndrome. A review. Vasudevan, AR., Garber, AJ.[2017]

In a study involving 23 mice, neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) significantly increased muscle mass compared to a sham treatment, indicating its potential to reverse muscle wasting in chronic disease.

NMES also improved insulin sensitivity, as shown by lower blood glucose levels during an insulin tolerance test, suggesting that NMES could have beneficial effects on metabolic health in patients with chronic conditions.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Chronic neuromuscular electrical stimulation improves muscle mass and insulin sensitivity in a mouse model. Lotri-Koffi, A., Pauly, M., Lemarié, E., et al.[2021]

In a study involving 9 healthy men, neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) at a self-selected comfortable intensity significantly increased energy expenditure (221 kcal) and carbohydrate oxidation compared to sitting still (159 kcal).

NMES also resulted in lower postprandial insulin levels, indicating potential benefits for metabolic health, making it a promising strategy for improving metabolic outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on energy expenditure and postprandial metabolism in healthy men. Chen, YC., Davies, RG., Hengist, A., et al.[2021]

In a study involving 10 adults, neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) with a 200-microsecond pulse duration allowed participants to tolerate significantly greater muscle torques compared to a 50-microsecond pulse duration, indicating enhanced efficacy for muscle strengthening.

The findings suggest that medium pulse durations may be more effective for maximizing muscle torque responses, despite the common belief that shorter pulses are preferable due to lower pain thresholds.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Comparison of maximum tolerated muscle torques produced by 2 pulse durations. Scott, WB., Causey, JB., Marshall, TL.[2014]

Insulin resistance is a major issue in 85-95% of patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), primarily influenced by genetic factors, obesity, and lack of exercise.

Regular exercise can improve muscle metabolism, helping to counteract the early defects in glycogen storage and fat oxidation seen in individuals at risk for NIDDM, and it can also prevent the progression to full-blown diabetes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Interrelation of visceral fat and muscle mass in non insulin-dependent diabetes (type II): practical implications]. Brun, JF., Bringer, J., Raynaud, E., et al.[2006]

Insulin resistance, a key feature of obesity and type 2 diabetes, is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors, with physical inactivity being a significant contributor.

Exercise training improves mitochondrial function in skeletal muscle, making it an effective strategy for preventing and treating obesity and type 2 diabetes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Physical exercise and insulin resistance: from muscle metabolic physiopathology to therapeutics]. Bordenave, S., Aguer, C., Kitzmann, M., et al.[2019]

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10424918/

Effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on glycemic ... Existing evidence suggested that NMES effectively improves glycemic control predominantly in middle-aged and elderly population with type 2 diabetes, obesity, ...

2. ec.bioscientifica.com ec.bioscientifica.com/view/journals/ec/11/2/EC-21-0533.xml

Four weeks of electrical stimulation improves glucose ... Our data indicate that 4 weeks of NMES resulted in improvement in glucose tolerance, without any effect on resting substrate utilization and muscle mass.

3. nature.com nature.com/articles/s41598-019-43696-4

Chronic neuromuscular electrical stimulation improves ... In the present study, our results suggest that 2 weeks of NMES induce cardiovascular benefit via an improvement in insulin sensitivity. Enhanced ...

4. e-dmj.org e-dmj.org/journal/view.php?doi=10.4093/dmj.2015.39.3.264

Effect of Low Frequency Neuromuscular Electrical ... Our results showed significant lower blood glucose in the NMES than in the control sessions at times 60 (P<0.01). Moreover, glucose decreases at ...

5. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5683854/

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation for Treatment of Muscle ... This article provides physiotherapists with a resource to enable evidence-informed, effective use of NMES for PT practice.

6. link.springer.com link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00421-025-05907-x

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation enhances glycemic ... Thirty minutes of NMES treatment reduced glucose levels compared to baseline glucose (116.2 ± 2.7 mg/dL to 113.2 ± 2.5 mg/dL; p < 0.0001).

7. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0987705324000017

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation for the treatment of ... To assess a potential efficacy signal, safety and feasibility of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) therapy as an adjunct to standard care in patients ...