Actively Recruiting
Intermuscular Coherence as a Biomarker for ALS
Led by University of Chicago · Updated on 2026-02-09
650
Participants Needed
4
Research Sites
300 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of Chicago
Lead Sponsor
N
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
The specific aims of this study are to: 1. Determine if a painless and quick measurement of muscle activity using surface electrodes can help with the diagnosis of ALS. Specifically, we ask if a measure of intermuscular coherence (IMC-βγ), when added to current diagnostic criteria (Awaji criteria), can differentiate ALS from mimic diseases more accurately and earlier than currently possible. 2. Characterize IMC-βγ in neurotypical subjects by age, sex, race, and ethnicity. 3. Follow a cohort of ALS patients longitudinally to determine if IMC-βγ changes with ALS disease progression and whether such changes correlate with functional and clinical scores, or survival.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Intermuscular Coherence as a Biomarker for ALS
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Patients with arm or leg weakness, spastic gait, muscle wasting or twitching, difficulty swallowing or speaking, shortness of breath, hyperreflexia, pathological reflexes, or muscle denervation seen in prior EMG studies
- Age between 20 and 90 years
- Patients categorized as Possible, Probable, or Definite ALS by Awaji criteria without IMC measurement
You will not qualify if you...
- Previously classified as probable or definite ALS by Awaji criteria before study evaluation
- Significant sensory loss in weak or spastic limbs
- Significant musculoskeletal or neuropathic pain
- Unable or unwilling to provide informed consent
- Unable to perform study tasks
- Currently taking baclofen, benzodiazepines, or sedatives
- Known non-ALS cause for symptoms
- History of neurological disorders such as stroke, neuropathy, or myopathy
- Lack of cognitive ability or willingness to consent
- Unclassified by Awaji category or diagnosed with an ALS mimic
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 4 locations
1
University of California Center for Clinical Research
Irvine, California, United States, 92697
Active, Not Recruiting
2
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
Miami, Florida, United States, 33136
Actively Recruiting
3
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, United States, 02114
Actively Recruiting
4
Washington University Medical Center
St Louis, Missouri, United States, 63110
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
S
Serdar Aydin, MD
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
3
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