Giggins OM, Coughlan GF, Caulfield BM, Crowe LM Stim XDP Research Group, Institute for Sport and Health, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland. INTRODUCTION Exercise is a vital component in the management and prevention of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Both the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the American Diabetes Association (ADA) advocate exercise as a treatment method for T2D [1, 2]. However, given the benefits of engaging in physical activity, many T2D patients are often unable to partake in physical activity secondary to complications of their diabetes or other musculoskeletal problems. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) exercise is a likely alternative for diabetic individuals who face barriers to physical activity. NMES has received much attention in recent years as a new form of inducing exercise. The ability of NMES to stimulate innervated muscle has resulted in it’s use as a training tool for individuals without neuromuscular pathology. Banerjee and colleagues showed that prolonged NMES exercise in sedentary adults resulted in significant improvements in maximal aerobic capacity, muscle strength and capacity for physical activity [3]. The aim of this case study was to investigate the use of NMES exercise in T2D. METHODS A 58 year old T2DM male (Height 1.77 metres (m), Weight 92.6 kilograms (kg), Body Mass Index kg/m2) was recruited for this study. Baseline tests (Week 0) included venous blood markers (VBMs), a DEXA scan to assess body composition and an isokinetic dynamometry test to assess knee extensor and flexor strength. A blood sample was drawn from a vein in the cubital fossa of the forearm after an overnight fast. A further blood sample was drawn 2 hours post consumption of a 35 gram solution of glucose. The baseline tests were repeated at the 8 week follow-up (Week 8). A specially designed hand held muscle stimulator (NT2010, BioMedical Research Ltd, Galway, Ireland) was used to deliver impulses through 8 electrodes (17 x 10.3 centimetres (cm)) applied bilaterally to the proximal and distal quadriceps and hamstring muscles via custom made neoprene garments (Figure 1). The NMES exercise programme consisted of 6 phases at frequency of 19 Hertz (Hz) and one final phase combining two independent group frequencies at 90 Hz and 3 Hz. The participant completed six 45 minute training sessions per week for 8 weeks. RESULTS VBMs demonstrated improved glucose control after an 8 week NMES exercise programme (Table1). Glycated haemoglobin (HbA 1c ), which reflects the mean plasma glucose concentration over the previous 2 to 3 months, reduced from 9.5% at baseline to 8.5% the 8 week follow up. Reductions in fasting plasma glucose and 2 hour post load glucose and an increase in insulin levels were measured at week 8. A 0.3% reduction in body fat and an increase in lean muscle mass from kg to kg were observed (Table 2). Isokinetic and isometric torque also increased from baseline to the 8 week follow up (Figure 2). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION This case study demonstrates that an 8 week NMES exercise programme resulted in improved body composition and increased lower limb strength. The 8 week NMES exercise programme resulted in clinically significant improvements in glycaemic control and glucose tolerance. These results present preliminary evidence for the potential use of this type of EMS training in T2D. Studies with larger participant numbers and intervention periods are required to investigate this further. An investigation into the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation exercise in type 2 diabetes: a case study. Table 2. Body Composition Week 0Week 8 Total Mass (kg) % Body Fat Fat Free Mass (kg) Table 1. Venous Blood Markers (VBMs) Week 0Week 8 HbA 1c (%) Fasting Plasma Glucose (mmol/L) Insulin (mIU/L) Hour Post Load Plasma Glucose (mmol/L) Figure 2. Isokinetic and Isometric Torque ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS REFERENCES 1.Sigal, R.J., et al., Physical Activity/Exercise and Type 2 Diabetes. Diabetes Care, (10): p Albright, A., et al., Exercise and Type 2 Diabetes. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, (7): p Banerjee, P., et al., Prolonged electrical muscle stimulation exercise improves strength and aerobic capacity in healthy sedentary adults. J Appl Physiol, (6): p Figure 1. Electrode Placement