Developing a new method to measure muscle health in neuromuscular diseases

3D Shearwave Elasticity Biomarker Development for Neuromuscular Disease

NIH-funded research Duke University · NIH-11005696

This study is testing a new 3D imaging method to check muscle health in people with neuromuscular disorders like Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy and Pompe disease, aiming to provide more accurate and easier measurements to help doctors track how well treatments are working.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDuke University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Durham, United States)
Project IDNIH-11005696 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on creating a 3D imaging technique to assess muscle health in patients with neuromuscular disorders like Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy and Pompe disease. Current methods for evaluating muscle function are often subjective and can lead to inaccurate assessments. The new approach uses ultrasonic shear wave elasticity imaging to provide a more precise, non-invasive measurement of muscle properties, which could help monitor disease progression and treatment responses. By improving the accuracy of muscle health assessments, this research aims to enhance patient care and treatment outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with neuromuscular disorders such as Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy or Pompe disease.

Not a fit: Patients with neuromuscular disorders who are not undergoing treatment or those with conditions unrelated to muscle health may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a reliable and non-invasive way to monitor muscle health, leading to better treatment decisions for patients with neuromuscular diseases.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using similar imaging techniques for assessing muscle health, indicating that this approach could be a significant advancement in the field.

Where this research is happening

Durham, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acid Maltase Deficiency Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.