Actively Recruiting
Effects of Whole-body Electrical Muscle Stimulation Exercise on Adults With Myasthenia Gravis
Led by University of Missouri-Columbia · Updated on 2025-04-10
16
Participants Needed
2
Research Sites
107 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of Missouri-Columbia
Lead Sponsor
U
University of Kansas Medical Center
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
During this pilot study, the investigators will examine the effects of whole-body electrical muscle stimulation exercise (WB-EMS Exercise) on neuromuscular junction (NMJ) transmission and fatigability in adults with Generalized Myasthenia Gravis (gMG). The investigators will also test whether a relationship exists between NMJ transmission dysfunction and fatigability in gMG, which has long been presumed but never directly assessed. Participants will undergo clinical and electrophysiologic testing before and after the WB-EMS Exercise intervention. The WB-EMS Exercise intervention will be delivered 2 times per week for 4 weeks. Long-term follow up is optional. The hypotheses are (a) that the WB-EMS exercise will improve fatigability and NMJ transmission, and (b) that NMJ transmission dysfunction is related to fatigability.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Effects of Whole-body Electrical Muscle Stimulation Exercise on Adults With Myasthenia Gravis
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age 18 or older
- Diagnosed with Generalized Myasthenia Gravis by antibody test or clinical symptoms
- On stable MG therapy for at least 1 month
- Able to stand continuously for about 15 minutes with or without assistive device
- Score of 1 (Mild) or 2 (Moderate) on "arm outstretched" or "leg outstretched" items of QMG
- At least some anti-gravity strength in major muscle groups (2+/5 strength or better)
- Medical clearance to participate in exercise
- Able to give informed consent
- Able to follow study requirements including attendance and stable physical activity
- For healthy controls: age 18-39 and able to give informed consent
You will not qualify if you...
- Participating in another interventional research study
- Unable to tolerate 15 minutes of continuous standing
- Regular strength training (2x per week or more in past 6 months)
- Score of 0 (None) on all "arm outstretched" and "leg outstretched" QMG items
- Have pacemaker, metal implants, or implanted devices affecting safety during WB-EMS
- Unstable acute or chronic diseases like renal failure, rheumatologic disease, arrhythmia, cancer, uncontrolled hypertension
- Known pregnancy at screening
- Terminal disease or receiving hospice care
- Use of drugs affecting muscle mass or performance in past 6 months (e.g. steroids, growth hormone)
- Additional neuromuscular or neurologic conditions affecting motor or sensory function
- Musculoskeletal conditions or surgery in past year affecting exercise results
- Other medical conditions interfering with study or results as judged by investigators
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 2 locations
1
University of Kansas Clinical Research Center
Fairway, Kansas, United States, 66205
Actively Recruiting
2
NextGen Precision Health Building, Clinical and Translational Science Unit
Columbia, Missouri, United States, 65211
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
K
Kristina M Kelly, DPT
CONTACT
W
W. David Arnold, MD
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NA
Model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
1
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