Effects of electrical stimulation on perceived body satisfaction and tone of the gluteal muscles

Abstract

This study compared the effects of electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) to volitional exercise on the tone of the buttocks muscles, hip circumference, and perceived satisfaction with the buttocks region. Seventy-two females, ages 20 and 60 years, were randomly placed into one of three groups: control, exercise, or stimulation. The exercise group performed 3 sets of 10 quadruped hip extensions with each leg, 5 days per week, for 6 weeks. The stimulation group underwent stimulation for 30 minutes, 5 days per week, for 6 weeks using the Slendertone(tm) Bottom Toner. Subjects were tested at baseline, 4 weeks, and 6 weeks. Muscle tone of the buttocks was measured using a Myotonometer(tm). Hip girth was measured using a spring-loaded tape measure and body satisfaction was determined using a series of questionnaires. Results were compared to a control group. There were no improvements in hip circumference or muscular tone. The exercise and stimulation group had significant improvements in score on both the Shape Evaluation and Body Satisfaction Questionnaires. When Overall Results questionnaires were summarized, 92% of subjects in the exercise group and 88% of subjects in the stimulation group felt that they had positive results following the 6-week study.