The effect of low frequency electrotherapy on anthropometry in overweight women of child bearing age

Abstract

Purpose: Health and wellness are the focus of not only health and medical research but also part of the growing market for training programmes and health and wellness clinics. The holistic approach to health and wellness requires an integrated and multidisciplinary approach. Individuals now seek assistance to improve their anthropometric parameters in an effort towards well- being and health. The purpose of the current study was to determine the effects of low frequency electrical stimulation in altering the anthropometric measurements in a selected cohort of overweight women. Materials and Methods: Fourteen women of child bearing age were randomly allocated to the control and experimental groups. The intervention consisted of a course of ten, 45 minute low frequency electrical treatments (LFET), three times a week over a period of four weeks. Height, weight, circumference of waist, hips, and thighs were measured. Body fat was measured using a Body Stat machine. Data was analyzed using paired and independent samples t test at p<0.05. Results: Body fat decreased significantly from 33.79% to 32.26% in the experimental group. Weight and BMI decreased from 72.5 to 70.93 and 26.8 to 26.21 respectively in the experimental group. Decreases in circumferences of body parts were also significant in the intervention group compared to the control. Conclusions: LFET significantly decreased anthropometric parameters in the participants.