Date of Award

2025-08-01

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department

Interdisciplinary Health Sciences

Advisor(s)

Sudip Bajpeyi

Abstract

Introduction: Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) has emerged as a promising intervention for improving metabolic health in sedentary individuals with overweight or obesity. Its capacity to induce muscle contraction without voluntary movement presents a viable alternative to traditional exercise, especially in mobility-limited populations. NMES may serve as a non-invasive alternative to traditional exercise, especially in high-risk populations who face elevated type 2 diabetes incidence linked to hyperglycemia, obesity, and inactivity. This study investigated the impact of NMES on glycemic control and metabolic health in a sedentary, predominantly Hispanic, overweight or obese population. Methods: This study examined the acute and long-term effects of NMES on metabolic and psychosocial health. Acute outcomes were assessed via a single 30-minute NMES session measuring fasting glucose, energy expenditure, and substrate utilization. Longitudinal impact was evaluated over an 8-week intervention, focusing on glycemic variability and insulin sensitivity. Results: A single NMES session resulted in significant reductions in fasting blood glucose and glucose variability, with increases in energy expenditure and whole-body carbohydrate utilization. Longitudinal NMES training improved post-prandial glucose management outcomes and tended to prevent rises in insulin resistance observed in control groups. Additionally, trained individuals showed enhanced responses to acute NMES, including greater fasting glucose reductions, higher energy expenditure, and increased stimulation tolerance. Conclusion: NMES offers a feasible and effective adjunct to physical activity for populations with limited exercise capacity. These findings support its potential as a preventive strategy to enhance metabolic health and insulin sensitivity in underserved communities, warranting further exploration of whole-body stimulation protocols and mechanistic pathways.

Language

en

Provenance

Received from ProQuest

File Size

116 p.

File Format

application/pdf

Rights Holder

Jehu Narh Apaflo

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Included in

Kinesiology Commons

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