Adaptaciones musculares y de fuerza al campo electromagnético pulsado en mujeres jóvenes: un estudio piloto intraindividual

Autores/as

  • Pedro Augusto Inacio Evangelical University of Goiás, UNIEVANGELICA, Anápolis, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9354-1460
  • Patrícia Sardinha Leonardo Centro Universitário Redentor (UniRedentor)
  • Marcelo Sales Graduate Program in Environment and Society at the State University of Goiás (UEG), Southwest Campus Headquarters – Quirinópolis, Quirinópolis, Goiás. GO https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3814-6964
  • Vicente Aprigliano Escuela de Ingeniería de Construcción y Transporte, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Avda Brasil 2147, Valparaíso 2362804, Chile
  • Gaspar R. Chiappa Evangelical University of Goiás, UNIEVANGELICA, Anápolis, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0440-8404
  • Rodolfo P. Vieira Evangelical University of Goiás, UNIEVANGELICA, Anápolis, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6379-1143
  • Rodrigo Alvaro Lopes-Martins Centro Universitário Redentor (UniRedentor) https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4533-1335
  • Alberto Souza Sá Filho Universidade Evangélica de Goiás - UniEVANGÉLICA https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9434-4231

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v72.116169

Palabras clave:

Hipertrofia, Grosor muscular, PEMF, Fuerza, Entrenamiento de resistencia

Resumen

Introducción: El campo electromagnético pulsado (PEMF) se ha propuesto como una herramienta no invasiva para promover adaptaciones musculares, como el aumento de fuerza (1RM) y el aumento del grosor muscular (MT). Sin embargo, los efectos del PEMF en los músculos de las extremidades inferiores en personas jóvenes sin entrenamiento aún no se han explorado completamente.


Métodos: Investigamos los efectos de una intervención con PEMF de ocho semanas sobre el MT y el 1RM del recto femoral (RF) en cinco mujeres sedentarias. Cada participante recibió aleatoriamente una pierna de PEMF y la contralateral, entrenamiento de resistencia tradicional en una máquina de extensión de piernas (EXT). El protocolo de PEMF consistió en 30 minutos (3 veces por semana), a una frecuencia de 50 Hz - 3,5 Teslas. El protocolo EXT incluyó tres series de 8-12 repeticiones al ~70 % de 1RM. El MT se midió al 30 % y al 50 % del RF de la longitud del muslo mediante ultrasonido, y el 1RM se evaluó bilateralmente. Se registró el esfuerzo percibido (RPE) después de cada sesión.

Resultados: PEMF: el RFMT medio aumentó de 1,88 ± 0,23 cm a 1,92 ± 0,19 cm con una longitud del muslo del 30 % y de 1,79 ± 0,19 cm a 1,84 ± 0,13 cm con una longitud del muslo del 50 %. EXT: el RFMT aumentó de 1,88 ± 0,14 cm a 2,01 ± 0,18 cm con una longitud del muslo del 30 % y de 1,70 ± 0,33 cm a 1,88 ± 0,27 cm con una longitud del muslo del 50 %. El 1RM mejoró de 36,0 ± 4,7 kg a 40,4 ± 5,7 kg con PEMF y de 36,0 ± 7,5 kg a 46,6 ± 9,1 kg con EXT. El RPE medio de la sesión fue de 3,0 ± 0,9 con PEMF y de 8,0 ± 1,0 con EXT.

Discusión: Estos hallazgos preliminares resaltan el potencial de los PEMF como una alternativa de bajo esfuerzo y proporcionan parámetros clave para el diseño de un futuro ensayo definitivo.


Conclusión: Ambas intervenciones produjeron mejoras en 1RM, mientras que los cambios en el MT fueron modestos y más variables. Las sesiones de PEMF fueron consistentemente bien toleradas y el RPE requirió bajo esfuerzo.

Biografía del autor/a

  • Alberto Souza Sá Filho, Universidade Evangélica de Goiás - UniEVANGÉLICA

    Physical Education Professional graduated in 2006. Master Degree obtained in 2009 in the research line of Physical Activity and Aerobic Performance by Gama Filho University (CNPQ Scholarship - 131248 / 2009-0 - Capes 5 Concept). Master in Physical Activity Science with emphasis on the biodynamics of the exercise completed in 2017. PhD in Mental Health from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (Concept Capes 5), where he was a Fellow of CAPES developing projects in the line of research on the influence of aerobic interval exercise in affective responses, mood, as well as acute changes in autonomic function in patients with bipolar and healthy disorders. He is currently a researcher at the Graduate Program of the Evangelical University of Goiás (UniEvangelica). Teaching theoretical and practical classes throughout Brazil.

Referencias

Damas, F., Libardi, C. A., & Ugrinowitsch, C. (2018). The development of skeletal muscle hyper-trophy through resistance training: the role of muscle damage and muscle protein synthesis. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 118(3), 485-500. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-017-3792-9

Del Vecchio, A., Casolo, A., Negro, F., Scorcelletti, M., Bazzucchi, I., Enoka, R.,…Farina, D. (2019). The increase in muscle force after 4 weeks of strength training is mediated by adaptations in motor unit recruitment and rate coding. Journal of Physiology, 597(7), 1873-1887. https://doi.org/10.1113/JP277250

DiBernardo, B., Chilukuri, S., McCoy, J. D., Katz, B., & Goldberg, D. J. (2023). High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic Field With Synchronized Radiofrequency Achieves Superior Gluteal Muscle Contouring Than High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic Field Procedure Alone. Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum, 5, ojac087. https://doi.org/10.1093/asjof/ojac087

Ekkekakis, P., & Lind, E. (2006). Exercise does not feel the same when you are overweight: the impact of self-selected and imposed intensity on affect and exertion. International Journal of Obesity (Lond), 30(4), 652-660. https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijo.0803052

Eldridge, S. M., Lancaster, G. A., Campbell, M. J., Thabane, L., Hopewell, S., Coleman, C. L., & Bond, C. M. (2016). Defining Feasibility and Pilot Studies in Preparation for Randomised Controlled Trials: Development of a Conceptual Framework. PLoS One, 11(3), e0150205. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0150205

Flatscher, J., Pavez Lorie, E., Mittermayr, R., Meznik, P., Slezak, P., Redl, H., & Slezak, C. (2023). Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (PEMF)-Physiological Response and Its Potential in Trauma Treatment. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24(14). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241411239

Ghanbari Ghoshchi, S., Petroni, M. L., Piras, A., Marcora, S. M., & Raffi, M. (2024). Pulsed Electromagne-tic Field (PEMF) stimulation as an adjunct to exercise: a brief review. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 6, 1471087. https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2024.1471087

Hammert, W. B., Dankel, S. J., Kataoka, R., Yamada, Y., Kassiano, W., Song, J. S., & Loenneke, J. P. (2024). Methodological Considerations When Studying Resistance-Trained Populations: Ideas for Using Control Groups. Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 38(12), 2164-2171. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000004978

Jacob, C. I., & Paskova, K. (2018). Safety and efficacy of a novel high-intensity focused electromagnetic technology device for noninvasive abdominal body shaping. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 17(5), 783-787. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.12779

Kandemir, O., Adar, S., Dündar, Ü., Toktaş, H., Yeşil, H., Eroğlu, S., & Eyvaz, N. (2024). Effectiveness of Pulse Electromagnetic Field Therapy in Patients With Subacromial Impingement Syndrome: A Double-Blind Randomized Sham Controlled Study. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabili-tation, 105(2), 199-207. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2023.09.020

Kinney, B. M., & Lozanova, P. (2019). High intensity focused electromagnetic therapy evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging: Safety and efficacy study of a dual tissue effect based non-invasive abdominal body shaping. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, 51(1), 40-46. https://doi.org/10.1002/lsm.23024

Kraemer, W. J., Adams, K., Cafarelli, E., Dudley, G. A., Dooly, C., Feigenbaum, M. S.,…American College of Sports, M. (2002). American College of Sports Medicine position stand. Progression models in resistance training for healthy adults. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 34(2), 364-380. https://doi.org/10.1097/00005768-200202000-00027

Kull, P., Keilani, M., Remer, F., & Crevenna, R. (2025). Efficacy of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy on pain and physical function in patients with non-specific low back pain: a systematic review. Wiener Medizinische Wochenschrift, 175(1), 11-19. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10354-023-01025-5

Larsen, S., Sandvik Kristiansen, B., Swinton, P. A., Wolf, M., Bao Fredriksen, A., Nygaard Falch, H.,…Osteras Sandberg, N. (2025). The effects of hip flexion angle on quadriceps femoris muscle hypertrophy in the leg extension exercise. Journal of Sports Sciences, 43(2), 210-221. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2024.2444713

Leonardo, P. S., Cardoso, K. R. d. S., Oliveira Silva, B., Silva, R. O., Silva, H. C. d. A., França, P. R. P.,…Lopes-Martins, R. A. B. (2023). Evaluation of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy to im-prove muscle strength and functional aspects in the elderly: A pilot study. Manual Therapy, Pos-turology & Rehabilitation Journal, 21, 1-7. https://doi.org/10.17784/mtprehabjournal.2023.21.1293

Leonardo, P. S., Cardoso, K. R. d. S., Vieira, R. d. P., Ruiz-Silva, C., Coelho, C. d. F., Martins, P. S. L. L., & Lopes-Martins, R. A. B. (2023). Applications of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy in Skele-tal-Muscle System: An Integrative Review. Manual Therapy, Posturology & Rehabilitation Jour-nal, 21, 1-11. https://doi.org/10.17784/mtprehabjournal.2023.21.1252

Leonardo, P. S., Sa Filho, A. S., Inacio, P. A., Franca, P. R., Aprigliano, V., Teixeira, F.,…Lopes-Martins, R. A. B. (2025). The Effects of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) on Muscular Strength, Fun-ctional Performance and Depressive Symptoms in Elderly Adults with Sarcopenia: A Short-Term Intervention. Life (Basel), 15(7). https://doi.org/10.3390/life15071111

Maiullari, S., Cicirelli, A., Picerno, A., Giannuzzi, F., Gesualdo, L., Notarnicola, A.,…Moretti, B. (2023). Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields Induce Skeletal Muscle Cell Repair by Sustaining the Expression of Proteins Involved in the Response to Cellular Damage and Oxidative Stress. 24(23), 16631.

Mechelli, F., Arendt-Nielsen, L., Stokes, M., & Agyapong-Badu, S. (2019). Validity of Ultrasound Imaging Versus Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Measuring Anterior Thigh Muscle, Subcutaneous Fat, and Fascia Thickness. Methods and Protocols, 2(3). https://doi.org/10.3390/mps2030058

Misra, M., Miller, K. K., Bjornson, J., Hackman, A., Aggarwal, A., Chung, J.,…Klibanski, A. (2003). Altera-tions in growth hormone secretory dynamics in adolescent girls with anorexia nervosa and ef-fects on bone metabolism. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 88(12), 5615-5623. https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2003-030532

Mithal, A., Bonjour, J. P., Boonen, S., Burckhardt, P., Degens, H., El Hajj Fuleihan, G.,…Group, I. C. N. W. (2013). Impact of nutrition on muscle mass, strength, and performance in older adults. Osteo-porosis International, 24(5), 1555-1566. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-012-2236-y

Monturil, I. L. C., Sales, M. M., Inacio, P. A., Aprigliano, V., Leonardo, P. S., Oliveira-Silva, I.,…Sá Filho, A. (2025). Not All Forms of Exercise Lead to Positive Affect: A Comparative Monitoring Between an Imposed and Self-Adjusted Prescription in Recreational Runners—A Cross-Sectional Ran-domized Controlled Study. Applied Sciences, 15(1549). https://doi.org/10.3390/app15031549

Nunes, J. P., Kassiano, W., Costa, B. D. V., Mayhew, J. L., Ribeiro, A. S., & Cyrino, E. S. (2021). Equating Resistance-Training Volume Between Programs Focused on Muscle Hypertrophy. Sports Medi-cine, 51(6), 1171-1178. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-021-01449-2

Pall, M. L. (2013). Electromagnetic fields act via activation of voltage-gated calcium channels to produ-ce beneficial or adverse effects. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, 17(8), 958-965. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcmm.12088

Parfitt, G., Rose, E. A., & Burgess, W. M. (2006). The psychological and physiological responses of se-dentary individuals to prescribed and preferred intensity exercise. British Journal of Health Psychology, 11(Pt 1), 39-53. https://doi.org/10.1348/135910705X43606

Parhampour, B., Torkaman, G., Hoorfar, H., Hedayati, M., & Ravanbod, R. (2014). Effects of short-term resistance training and pulsed electromagnetic fields on bone metabolism and joint function in severe haemophilia A patients with osteoporosis: a randomized controlled trial. Clinical Reha-bilitation, 28(5), 440-450. https://doi.org/10.1177/0269215513505299

Pedrosa, G. F., Lima, F. V., Schoenfeld, B. J., Lacerda, L. T., Simoes, M. G., Pereira, M. R.,…Chagas, M. H. (2022). Partial range of motion training elicits favorable improvements in muscular adapta-tions when carried out at long muscle lengths. European Journal of Sport Sciences, 22(8), 1250-1260. https://doi.org/10.1080/17461391.2021.1927199

Ramsey, K. A., Meskers, C. G. M., Trappenburg, M. C., Verlaan, S., Reijnierse, E. M., Whittaker, A. C., & Maier, A. B. (2020). Malnutrition is associated with dynamic physical performance. Aging Clini-cal and Experimental Research, 32(6), 1085-1092. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40520-019-01295-3

Roemmich, J. N., Clark, P. A., Mantzoros, C. S., Gurgol, C. M., Weltman, A., & Rogol, A. D. (2003). Rela-tionship of leptin to bone mineralization in children and adolescents. Journal of Clinical Endo-crinology & Metabolism, 88(2), 599-604. https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2001-012025

Sale, D. G. (1988). Neural adaptation to resistance training. Med Sci Sports Exerc, 20(5 Suppl), S135-145. https://doi.org/10.1249/00005768-198810001-00009

Schoenfeld, B. J. (2010). The mechanisms of muscle hypertrophy and their application to resistance training. Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 24(10), 2857-2872. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181e840f3

Schoenfeld, B. J., Grgic, J., Ogborn, D., & Krieger, J. W. (2017). Strength and Hypertrophy Adaptations Between Low- vs. High-Load Resistance Training: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 31(12), 3508-3523. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000002200

Stausholm, M. B., da Silva, K. R., Inacio, P. A., de Sa Filho, A. S., Lopes-Martins, P. S. L., Bjordal, J. M.,…Lopes-Martins, R. A. B. (2024). Reliability of ultrasound assessment of the rectus femoris muscle thickness: intra-rater, inter-rater, and inter-day analysis accounting for age and sex. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 25(1), 916. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-024-08033-5

Stokes, T., Hector, A. J., Morton, R. W., McGlory, C., & Phillips, S. M. (2018). Recent Perspectives Regar-ding the Role of Dietary Protein for the Promotion of Muscle Hypertrophy with Resistance Exercise Training. Nutrients, 10(2). https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10020180

Trofè, A., Raffi, M., Muehsam, D., Meoni, A., Campa, F., Toselli, S., & Piras, A. (2021). Effect of PEMF on Muscle Oxygenation during Cycling: A Single-Blind Controlled Pilot Study. 11(8), 3624.

van der Zwaard, S., Hooft Graafland, F., van Middelkoop, C., & Lintmeijer, L. L. (2023). Validity and Reliability of Facial Rating of Perceived Exertion Scales for Training Load Monitoring. Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 37(5), e317-e324. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000004361

Venugobal, S., Tai, Y. K., Goh, J., Teh, S., Wong, C., Goh, I.,…Franco-Obregon, A. (2023). Brief, weekly magnetic muscle therapy improves mobility and lean body mass in older adults: a Southeast Asia community case study. Aging (Albany NY), 15(6), 1768-1790. https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.204597

Yang, J., Sun, L., Fan, X., Yin, B., Kang, Y., An, S., & Tang, L. (2018). Pulsed electromagnetic fields allevia-te streptozotocin‑induced diabetic muscle atrophy. Molecular Medicine Reports, 18(1), 1127-1133. https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2018.9067

Descargas

Publicado

09/03/2025

Número

Sección

Artículos de carácter científico: investigaciones básicas y/o aplicadas

Cómo citar

Inacio, P. A., Sardinha Leonardo, P., Sales, M., Aprigliano, V., Chiappa, G. R., Vieira, R. P., Lopes-Martins, R. A., & Sá Filho, A. S. (2025). Adaptaciones musculares y de fuerza al campo electromagnético pulsado en mujeres jóvenes: un estudio piloto intraindividual. Retos, 72, 267-280. https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v72.116169