Effects of electrical muscle stimulation exercise on older adults
Effects of Whole-body Electrical Muscle Stimulation Exercise on Spinal Motoneuronal Activation in Older Adults
This study is testing if whole-body electrical muscle stimulation exercise can help healthy older adults improve their muscle function and physical abilities.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 12 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Missouri-Columbia Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Columbia, Missouri) |
| Trial ID | NCT06689618 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot study investigates the impact of whole-body electrical muscle stimulation exercise (WB-EMS Exercise) on motoneuronal activation in healthy older adults, a function that typically declines with age. Participants will engage in WB-EMS Exercise twice a week for four weeks, with assessments of motoneuronal activation and physical function conducted before and after the intervention. The study aims to determine if this combined approach can enhance exercise effectiveness and improve physical function in older adults. The methodology includes clinical and electrophysiologic testing to evaluate the outcomes of the intervention.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy older adults aged 65 years or older who are ambulatory and have sufficient muscle strength.
Not a fit: Patients who regularly use assistive devices for mobility or have certain medical conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance physical function and independence in older adults.
How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in enhancing physical function through electrical stimulation techniques.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age (65 years or older) for healthy older adults and between 18-39 for healthy younger adults * Ambulatory without an assistive device * More than anti-gravity strength in major muscle groups as assessed by manual muscle testing * Medical clearance to participate in an exercise program * Ability to conform to the requirements of the study (i.e. attendance at assessment and intervention visits, maintain current level of non-study physical activity for the duration of the study, no intention to relocate mid-study) Exclusion Criteria: * Regular use of an assistive device for mobility (i.e. cane, walker, wheelchair) * Presence of a pacemaker, metal implants, or other implanted medical devices that could impact participant safety during WB-EMS intervention * Known pregnancy at the time of screening * Presence of unstable acute or chronic disease (i.e. renal failure, rheumatologic disease cardia arrhythmia, neoplasm, uncontrolled hypertension) * Presence of terminal disease (i.e. receiving hospice services) * Current of previous use of any drugs known to influence muscle mass or performance within 6 months; these may include but are not limited to anabolic steroids, IGF01, growth hormone, replacement and androgen therapy, anti-androgen therapy. * Known neuromuscular or neurologic condition affecting somatosensory or motor function/control (i.e. motor neuron disease, muscle disease, severe peripheral neuropathy, NMJ disease, Parkinson's disease, Multiple Sclerosis, h/o stroke, TBI, SCI, ataxia, apraxia, hemiplegia, etc.) * Musculoskeletal condition or surgery in the past year that would confound results of exercise interventions (i.e. TKA, THA, RTC repair, spinal fusion) * Other medical conditions, signs, or symptoms that would interfere with study conduct or interpretation of results as determined by a PI
Where this trial is running
Columbia, Missouri
- NextGen Precision Health Building, Clinical and Translational Science Unit — Columbia, Missouri, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Kristina Kelly, DPT, MS
- Email: kristina.kelly@health.missouri.edu
- Phone: 5738842596
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.