Actively Recruiting
Effects of Whole-body Electrical Muscle Stimulation Exercise on Adults With Neuromuscular Disease
Led by University of Missouri-Columbia · Updated on 2026-03-17
50
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
252 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
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.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Effects of Whole-body Electrical Muscle Stimulation Exercise on Adults With Neuromuscular Disease
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age 18 or older
- Diagnosed with one or more specified neuromuscular diseases including ALS, SMA, myasthenia gravis, Charcot Marie Tooth disease, and others
- Ability to stand continuously for approximately 15 minutes with or without an assistive device
- At least some anti-gravity muscle strength (2+/5 or better) in major muscle groups
- Medical clearance to participate in an exercise program
- Ability to provide informed consent
- Willingness and ability to attend study visits, maintain current non-study physical activity levels, and not relocate during the study
You will not qualify if you...
- Diagnosed with neuromuscular diseases with known cardiac involvement or muscle fiber defects such as Becker's or Duchenne muscular dystrophy
- Participation in another interventional research study
- Unable to tolerate 15 minutes of continuous standing
- Presence of implanted medical devices like pacemakers, cochlear implants, or brain stimulators that affect safety during the study
- Unstable acute or chronic diseases including renal failure or uncontrolled hypertension
- Known pregnancy at screening
- Receiving hospice care for terminal disease
- Use of drugs affecting muscle mass or performance within the last 6 months
- Additional neurological conditions affecting motor or sensory function such as Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis
- Recent musculoskeletal surgery or conditions that could affect exercise results
- Other medical conditions or symptoms that may interfere with study evaluations as determined by investigators
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
NextGen Precision Health Building, Clinical and Translational Science Unit
Columbia, Missouri, United States, 65211
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
K
Kristina M Kelly, DPT, MS, EdM
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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