As we grow older, our bodies naturally change.
We might find it harder to move around, our muscles may become weaker, and we can gain more body fat.
But what if there was a way to fight back against these changes?
A Magnetic Solution from Singapore
Researchers from the National University of Singapore (NUS) have come up with a unique solution: magnetic muscle therapy.
They have invented a device, called BIXEPS, which uses a type of energy called a pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF).
It’s like a magic wand that sends gentle waves of energy into our bodies to make our muscles stronger and reduce body fats.
How the Study was Conducted
The researchers tested this device in a study with 101 people. The participants were aged from 38 to 91 years old, and they used the device once a week for 12 weeks.
After this time, the older people in the study showed improvements in their mobility and body composition. They also reported feeling less pain.
The Science Behind the BIXEPS Device
So, how does this work? Well, when the BIXEPS device is used on a person’s leg, it sends a magnetic signature to the muscles.
This activity is similar to what happens when a person exercises. Earlier studies showed that this therapy can improve the whole body’s metabolism, not just in the treated leg.
This suggests that the device could bring improvements to the entire body.
Positive Outcomes from the Study
The researchers found that 72% of participants had better maintenance of their skeletal muscles and reduced body fats after eight weeks. Also, 85% showed improvements in their ability to move around after 12 weeks.
These findings suggest that the BIXEPS device could help older adults stay strong and healthy. It might even help fight metabolic disorders, which are health conditions that interfere with the body’s normal functioning.
How Magnetic Muscle Therapy Helps Combat a Regional Problem
One particular type of fat, called visceral fat, is known to cause a range of health problems, including diabetes. Interestingly, people in Southeast Asia tend to hold onto this fat more stubbornly despite exercising.
This makes them more likely to develop diabetes even if their Body Mass Index (BMI) is lower.
The study’s leader, Associate Professor Alfredo Franco-Obregón, suggests that magnetic muscle therapy might be the solution to this healthcare challenge.
Participant’s Experiences
People who took part in the study noticed changes in their bodies. For instance, a 73-year-old woman named Mrs.
Yvette Cheak reported less swelling in her knee and ankle and increased energy levels. Similarly, a 79-year-old man, Mr. George Teo, found it easier to walk and climb stairs after the therapy.
What’s Next?
Given the promising results, the researchers now plan to test the device further. They will work with teams in the U.S. and Hong Kong to conduct more trials with different groups of older people.
They’re also starting a new study in Singapore focused on helping 200 seniors improve their function and reduce chronic pain.
Lastly, they’re looking into whether this therapy could be used to manage diabetes, a common and serious health condition.
If you care about wellness, please read studies about the cause of weak muscles in older people, and these vitamins could help reduce bone fracture risk.
For more information about wellness, please see recent studies that Krill oil could improve muscle health in older people, and intensive blood pressure control can lower risk of heart muscle damage.
The study was published in Aging.
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