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

Who could benefit from this research

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.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• VA Puget Sound Healthcare System
  Seattle, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Anderson, Lindsey — VA Puget Sound Healthcare System
• Study coordinator: Anderson, Lindsey

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

• Gentle electrical stimulation to keep muscles strong during stem cell transplant

  This project uses small, gentle electrical pulses to try to help Veterans keep muscle strength and reduce fatigue during and after stem cell transplants for blood cancers.

  NIH research VA Puget Sound Healthcare System · Seattle, United States · NIH-11511692

• Inpatient yoga therapy for cancer patients undergoing stem cell transplant

  A randomized trial will test whether an inpatient yoga program helps people receiving stem cell transplants feel better and cope with treatment.

  NIH research University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · Houston, United States · NIH-11447334

• A structured peer support program for people having stem cell transplants

  A brief, supportive, phone-based peer program for adults with blood cancers undergoing stem cell transplant to help manage stress and improve recovery.

  NIH research Brigham and Women's Hospital · Boston, United States · NIH-11447086

• T Cell Precursors to Restore Immune Power After Stem Cell Transplants

  This grant supports a patient-friendly approach to speed up immune recovery after a stem cell transplant by giving patients donor‑made T cell precursors that mature into healthy immune cells.

  NIH research Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research · New York, United States · NIH-11438593

• Engineering patient avatars to study GVHD after bone marrow transplant

  Researchers are creating patient-specific lab models of the gut, liver, and blood to better understand and prevent GVHD after bone marrow transplant, with a focus on children.

  NIH research Johns Hopkins University · Baltimore, United States · NIH-11428942

• Optimizing stem cell transplants to treat non-malignant blood diseases

  A researcher is pursuing a five-year plan to improve stem cell transplantation strategies for non-cancer blood illnesses, with a focus on safer conditioning, better stem cell collection, and gene editing.

  NIH research Washington University · Saint Louis, United States · NIH-11392266

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.