Comparing muscle recovery in the hand during anesthesia

Comparing Train-of-Four Recovery in the Adductor Pollicis Versus the Adductor Digiti Minimi in Elective Surgery Patients Using EMG

Observational University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill · NCT06467448

This study is testing how well two different muscles in the hand recover after anesthesia in adults having elective surgery.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of North Carolina, Chapel Hill Academic / other
Locations1 site (Chapel Hill, North Carolina)
Trial IDNCT06467448 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study observes and compares the train-of-four (TOF) ratio, a measure of neuromuscular function recovery, between two muscles in the hand: the adductor pollicis and adductor digiti minimi. Adult patients undergoing elective surgery with non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents will have monitoring devices placed on both arms to assess recovery. The study aims to enhance understanding of neuromuscular blockade recovery and improve anesthesia practices. Data will be collected using the Tetragraph monitoring system during standard surgical procedures.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years old undergoing elective surgery requiring general anesthesia with non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents.

Not a fit: Patients with upper limb weakness, neurological deficits, or those unable to use one arm for monitoring will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved monitoring techniques for neuromuscular recovery in patients undergoing anesthesia.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of comparing TOF ratios between different muscles is relatively novel, existing studies have shown the importance of monitoring neuromuscular function during anesthesia.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Surgery and general anesthesia with administration of non depolarizing neuromuscular blocking drug

Exclusion Criteria:

* neuromuscular disease or weakness of one of upper limbs.
* Inability to use one of subjects arms to record neuromuscular monitor.
* Contraindication to administration or allergy to non depolarizing neuromuscular blocking drug.

Where this trial is running

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions AnesthesiaNeuromuscular Blockade
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.