Increased Bone Mineral Content in Response to Electrical Stimulation.

PURPOSE: Osteoporosis is widespread, underdiagnosed, and disproportionately affects women and marginalized populations. With limitations in pharmacologic treatments, particularly in underserved populations, accessible, non-invasive interventions like electrical stimulation (ES) that promote osteogenesis are needed. We evaluated the effects of a portable low-frequency ES device on bone health in premenopausal women.

METHODS

In a 10-week, double-blind, randomized pilot study, 48 healthy premenopausal women aged 18 - 45 were assigned to either a stimulation (STIM) or placebo (NSTIM) group. Participants completed 30 supervised interval training exercise sessions with or without ES targeting the greater trochanter of the femur. Bone mineral content, area, and mineral density (BMC, BA, BMD) were assessed via DXA scans at baseline, mid-point, and post-intervention. Data were analyzed using mixed-design ANOVA and ANCOVA.

FINDINGS: Significant Group × Time interactions were observed for leg BMC (P = 0.013) and leg BA (P = 0.015), with the STIM group showing increases in both outcomes. The NSTIM group showed declines or incomplete recovery. No significant changes were observed in whole-body BMC or BMD. Follow-up ANCOVA confirmed significant adjusted final differences in leg BMC and BA favoring the STIM group. BMD remained stable across both groups.

IMPLICATIONS: Targeted low-frequency ES with exercise may produce localized skeletal benefits in premenopausal women. Although a third of participants identified as Black, high attrition and randomization limited subgroup analysis. Future studies should enhance inclusion strategies and explore other anatomical sites to evaluate differential responses better. This intervention shows promise as a scalable, non-pharmacologic option for improving bone health.