Using electrical stimulation to help maintain physical function during stem cell transplants

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation for physical function maintenance during hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

NIH-funded research VA Puget Sound Healthcare System · NIH-10938029

This study is looking at whether a special electrical stimulation treatment can help veterans recovering from blood cancer treatments keep their strength and feel better during their recovery.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVA Puget Sound Healthcare System NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Seattle, United States)
Project IDNIH-10938029 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) to help patients undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) maintain their physical function and muscle mass. The study compares the effects of NMES against a sham intervention to see if it can reduce fatigue and improve quality of life during the challenging recovery period after intensive chemotherapy. By focusing on veterans with hematologic malignancies, the research aims to develop effective strategies to combat the physical decline often experienced during HCT. Participants will be monitored for changes in muscle strength, body composition, and overall well-being.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are veterans undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation for hematologic malignancies.

Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation or those with conditions unrelated to muscle function decline may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve recovery outcomes and quality of life for patients undergoing stem cell transplants.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that NMES can improve muscle strength in non-cancer patients, but its effectiveness in cancer patients undergoing HCT is still being explored.

Where this research is happening

Seattle, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.