Electrical Muscle Stimulation for Neuromuscular Disease
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This single-arm pilot study evaluates the effects of whole-body electrical muscle stimulation (WB-EMS) exercise on neuromuscular and physical function in adults with neuromuscular disease (NMD). Due to motor unit impairments, NMD patients often cannot tolerate traditional exercise. WB-EMS bypasses voluntary activation limits by directly stimulating muscle contractions. Up to 50 adults with conditions like ALS, SMA, and MG will undergo 20-minute supervised WB-EMS sessions (1-2 times weekly for 4-8 weeks) using the Katalyst system. Outcomes include neural excitability (TMS), motor unit behavior (EMG, NCS), functional tests (walk, balance, strength), and patient-reported fatigue, pain, and quality of life. Strict safety monitoring and exclusion criteria are in place. This study will provide preliminary data on WB-EMS as a potential exercise modality for NMD.
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants undergo 20-minute supervised WB-EMS sessions 1-2 times weekly for 4-8 weeks using the Katalyst system
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Whole-body Electrical Muscle Stimulation Exercise
How Is the Trial Designed?
1
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Participants will complete 1-2 WB-EMS Exercise visits per week for 4-8 weeks. Participants in this study will only perform Level 1 exercise programs in the "Strength" Training Mode. These programs are 20-minute videos led by exercise professionals. They consist of 10-12 exercises performed for 14 repetitions. Each repetition takes 4 seconds to complete (the time that the stimulation is "on") and is followed by a 4 second rest (the time that the stimulation is "off"). While the participant is following along with the video, they will be monitored and stimulation levels adjusted based on participant responses. Monitoring includes maintenance of moderate intensity level rate of perceived exertion and provision of verbal or tactile cues as needed to prompt biomechanically safe performance of each exercise movement. The exercise program (and thereby the stimulation) can be paused at any time by simply apping anywhere on the iPad screen.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Missouri-Columbia
Lead Sponsor
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