RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07478172

Effects of Whole-body Electrical Muscle Stimulation Exercise on Adults With Neuromuscular Disease

Effects of Whole-body Electrical Muscle Stimulation Exercise on Adults withNeuromuscular Disease

Sponsor

University of Missouri-Columbia

Enrollment

50 participants

Start Date

Mar 10, 2026

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Myasthenia Gravis Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Neuromuscular Diseases (NMD)Lambert-eaton Myasthenic Syndrome Primary Lateral Sclerosis Spinal Muscular Atrophy Charcot Marie Tooth Disease (CMT)Fascioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy Inclusion Body Myositis Mitochondrial Myopathy Nemaline Myopathy Centronuclear Myopathy Postpolio Syndrome Pompe Disease (Late-onset)Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)Progressive Muscular Atrophy

Summary

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.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study is testing whole-body electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) exercise — a technique where a special suit sends mild electrical signals to stimulate your muscles while you move — as a safe and effective exercise option for adults with neuromuscular diseases that weaken the muscles or nervous system. **You may be eligible if...** - You are 18 or older - You have been diagnosed with one of many neuromuscular conditions, including ALS, spinal muscular atrophy, muscular dystrophy variants, myasthenia gravis, post-polio syndrome, inclusion body myositis, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, or low back pain, among others - You can stand for about 15 minutes (with or without an assistive device) - You have at least some muscle strength in your major limbs - A doctor has cleared you for exercise **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You have Duchenne or Becker muscular dystrophy, limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, myotonic dystrophy, or certain other conditions excluded from the study - You cannot stand for 15 minutes or lack enough muscle strength - You plan to move away mid-study or cannot attend the required visits Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

DEVICEWhole-body Electrical Muscle Stimulation Exercise

Katalyst is a fitness device that delivers Whole-body Electrical Muscle Stimulation in conjunction with exercise programs (WB-EMS Exercise). After donning a base layer consisting of fitted shorts and shirt, a vest, shorts, and arm straps with integrated electrodes mapped to major muscle groups (biceps, triceps, pectorals, abdominals, periscapular musculature, paraspinal musculature, gluteus musculature, quadriceps, and hamstrings) are donned. The suit connects to an impulse pack that communicates with the Katalyst iPad App to deliver the programmed stimulation to the participant. Within the Katalyst App, there are leveled exercise programs where low levels (i.e. Level 1 and 2) are simple movements and higher levels (i.e. Levels 3, 4, and 5) have more complex and dynamic movements. There is complete user control of the stimulation level of each individual muscle group to tailor to participant responses and tolerance.