Effects of whole-body electromyostimulation on cardiac autonomic control and functional capacity of obese individuals after bariatric surgery

Abstract

Impairments caused by Obesity include respiratory difficulties, locomotor system disorders, cardiovascular diseases and an increased risk to develop pathological conditions. Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for morbid Obesity. The conventional gastric bypass surgery, associated with dietary restriction in the first weeks, limits the practice of physical exercise. In this context, whole-body neuromuscular electrical stimulation (WBS), a strategy that stimulates various muscle groups, has been shown to be a promising option to enhance weight loss, improve exercise capacity and peripheral muscle strength, and induce positive systemic effects. However, the effects of this treatment on cardiac autonomic control and functional capacity in patients submitted to bariatric surgery remain unknown. Objective: To evaluate the effects of WBS on autonomic control of Heart Rate (HR) and on the functional capacity of candidates for bariatric surgery before and after surgery, in comparison with a control group. Study design: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Methods: Thirty-six obese volunteers will be randomized into 2 groups (WBS group = 18 subjects and control group (Sham) = 18 subjects). Participants will be assessed preoperatively to determine pulmonary function, maximal and submaximal exercise capacity, and autonomic control of HR at rest and during submaximal exercise. On the 2nd day after discharge, participants will be evaluated only to determine submaximal exercise capacity, body composition and autonomic control of HR. The WBS (or sham) training will be performed over 30 sessions, 5 days a week, for 6 consecutive weeks. After this period, all preoperative evaluations will be performed again. We hypothesize that obese individuals who will undergo WBS will present greater improvement in cardiac autonomic control and functional capacity when compared to Sham subjects. (AU)