Comparison of the Overall Exercise Pressure Index (IOD) in Combined Training With and Without EMS in Middle-Aged Women

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper I Open Access I Released under (CC BY-NC 4.0) license

Authors

1 Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.

2 گروه آموزشی فیزیولوژی ورزشی ، دانشکده علوم تربیتی و روانشناسی ،دانشگاه محقق اردبیلی ، اردبیل ،ایران

10.22049/jahssp.2026.30718.1765

Abstract

Background& purpose: The overall training load index, as a composite of training factors (volume, intensity, and density), is a comprehensive indicator for evaluating training load patterns. Therefore, the present study aimed to compare the Index of Overall Demand (IOD) between combined training with EMS and combined training without EMS in middle-aged women. Methods: Thirty middle-aged women were randomly assigned into two groups of 10 participants each: combined training without EMS and combined training with EMS. The training program was conducted over 3 weeks (3 sessions per week). Variables measured during training included heart rate during exercise, resting heart rate, maximum heart rate, and rest duration within sessions. Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests at a significance level of 0.05. Results: Both training groups with and without EMS were evaluated. The results showed that the Perceived Intensity (PI) index remained consistently lower in the EMS group compared to the non-EMS group over the three weeks of training. Additionally, the Overall Intensity (OI) and the Index of Overall Demand (IOD) increased in both groups, but higher values were observed in the non-EMS group compared to the EMS group. These findings indicate a reduced subjective perception of training load in the EMS group while the physiological demand of the exercises increased. Conclusions: Training combined with EMS can induce lower subjective pressure compared to traditional training, while maintaining or even increasing the physiological load. This characteristic may position EMS as an effective method to improve training efficiency across different populations.

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Journal of Applied Health Studies in Sport Physiology

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 19 July 2025

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History

  • Receive Date: 12 June 2025
  • Revise Date: 11 July 2025
  • Accept Date: 19 July 2025

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