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
1 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating the effects of whole-body electrical muscle stimulation (WB-EMS) exercise on neuromuscular and physical function in adults with neuromuscular diseases (NMD) such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, spinal muscular atrophy, and myasthenia gravis. People with NMD often face challenges with traditional exercise because of impaired voluntary muscle activation, which can lead to inactivity and worsening health. WB-EMS bypasses these limits by directly stimulating muscle contractions using electrical currents, potentially offering a new way to exercise safely. The intervention uses the Katalyst system, an FDA-cleared device applied off-label, which delivers electrical stimulation to major muscle groups during guided movements. Participants wear a special suit with electrodes connected to an impulse pack controlled via an iPad app. They complete 20-minute supervised exercise sessions 1-2 times per week for 4-8 weeks, following Level 1 strength training videos. Each exercise involves repetitions with stimulation on and off periods, and stimulation levels are adjusted based on participant responses and comfort. Participants will be monitored carefully throughout the study, with evaluations before and after the intervention including neural excitability (using transcranial magnetic stimulation), motor unit behavior (via electromyography and nerve conduction studies), and functional tests like walking, balance, and strength assessments. Patient-reported outcomes on fatigue, pain, and quality of life will also be collected. Safety monitoring is strict, and the study will provide preliminary data on the feasibility and impact of WB-EMS exercise for adults with NMD.
CONDITIONS
Brief 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 years or older
- Diagnosed with one or more specified neuromuscular conditions such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, spinal muscular atrophy, myasthenia gravis, Charcot Marie Tooth disease, and others
- Able to stand continuously for approximately 15 minutes with or without an assistive device
- Have at least some anti-gravity strength in major muscle groups (2+/5 strength or better)
- Medical clearance to participate in an exercise program
- Ability to provide informed consent
- Willingness and ability to attend all study visits and maintain current non-study physical activity levels during the study
- No plans to relocate during the study period
You will not qualify if you...
- Diagnosed with neuromuscular conditions involving cardiac issues or muscle fiber structural defects such as Becker's muscular dystrophy or Duchenne muscular dystrophy
- Currently participating in another interventional research study
- Unable to tolerate 15 minutes of continuous standing
- Presence of implanted devices like pacemakers or metal implants that affect safety during WB-EMS
- Presence of cochlear implants, cortical stimulators, deep brain stimulators, recent skull defects, recent seizures, or previous serious adverse events with TMS
- Unstable acute or chronic diseases such as renal failure, arrhythmia, or uncontrolled hypertension
- Known pregnancy at screening
- Receiving hospice care or diagnosed with a terminal disease
- Use of drugs affecting muscle mass or performance within the past 6 months
- Additional neurologic conditions affecting motor or sensory function such as Parkinson's disease or stroke
- Recent musculoskeletal surgery or conditions that could affect exercise results
- Other medical conditions that could interfere with study results as determined by investigators
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 4 to 8 weeks
Participants complete supervised whole-body electrical muscle stimulation exercise sessions, performing 20-minute exercise programs 1 to 2 times per week with monitoring to adjust stimulation levels based on participant responses.
1 to 2 visits per week
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
W
W. David Arnold, MD
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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