Studying the effects of two training methods: electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) and high-intensity functional training (HIFT) on FTO gene expression and metabolic functions in obese men

To investigate the effects of two training methods — electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) and high-intensity functional training (HIFT) — on FTO gene expression and metabolic functions (including fasting glucose, serum insulin, serum leptin, and insulin resistance) in obese men.

A semi-experimental, three-arm, randomized controlled trial with a control group. The target population will be randomly allocated into three groups: (1) electrical muscle stimulation, (2) high-intensity functional training, and (3) control.

The study will be conducted in Shiraz, Iran. The exercise intervention will be implemented over 8 weeks, with a frequency of three sessions per week, under the direct supervision of the researcher. Fasting blood samples will be collected from the brachial vein of participants before the intervention and 24 hours after the final training session.

The study population comprises sedentary obese men in Shiraz with a mean age of 30–40 years and a body mass index (BMI) of 30–35 kg/m². Forty-five eligible participants will be selected through convenience sampling. Inclusion criteria include the absence of cardiovascular, renal, hepatic, or respiratory (asthma) disease; no musculoskeletal abnormalities; no history of surgery; no use of supplements or medications; no regular exercise participation within the past 6 months; and no use of tobacco or alcohol.

Group 1: Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) — 8 weeks, 3 sessions/week, 20 minutes per session Group 2: High-intensity functional training (HIFT) — 8 weeks, 3 sessions/week Group 3: Control (no intervention)

FTO gene expression (measured via quantitative real-time PCR), fasting glucose, fasting serum insulin, serum leptin, and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR).

Simple Randomization

Individual participant data will not be shared due to the need to protect participants’ confidentiality and privacy and to prevent potential identification of individual participants. Sharing individual-level data may also be inconsistent with ethical requirements and the scope of informed consent obtained from the participants. The study results will be reported and published in an aggregated form without any identifiable participant information.

Individual participant data include demographic information, laboratory findings, FTO gene expression, and other metabolic indicators. Individual-level data will not be publicly released or made openly accessible, and the study findings will be reported in an aggregated and non-identifiable form.

Individual participant data will not be made publicly accessible after completion of the study.

Individual participant data will be accessible only to authorized members of the research team and solely for research purposes.

Individual participant data will not be publicly shared. If access is scientifically justified, data may only be used subject to protection of participants’ confidentiality, ethical requirements, and the necessary approvals.

In case of a justified scientific request, the request should be submitted to the principal investigator of the study.

An access request should be formally submitted and reviewed for scientific and ethical considerations. If approved and the necessary permissions are obtained, only the required non-identifiable data will be provided to the requester.

To protect participants’ privacy and confidentiality, identifiable individual-level data will not be publicly released. The study findings will be reported in the master’s thesis and submitted for publication in a scientific journal.