Effects of protein and electrical stimulation on muscle mass in elderly hospitalized patients

Effects of Protein Intake Plus Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Muscle Mass in Hospitalized Elderly: a Randomized Controlled Clinical Study

Not applicable Interventional University of Sao Paulo General Hospital · NCT05008705

This study tests if giving protein and using electrical stimulation can help elderly patients in the hospital build muscle and improve their recovery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages65 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Sao Paulo General Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (São Paulo)
Trial IDNCT05008705 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates how protein supplementation combined with neuromuscular electrical stimulation can affect muscle mass, hospital stay duration, readmission rates, and mortality in elderly patients. The focus is on hospitalized individuals who often experience malnutrition and muscle wasting due to inactivity and inflammation. Participants will receive either the protein and stimulation intervention or a placebo and sham stimulation to assess the effectiveness of the treatment. The study aims to provide insights into improving outcomes for elderly patients during hospitalization.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are hospitalized individuals aged 65 and older who have been admitted for less than 48 hours.

Not a fit: Patients with recent cancer, cognitive deficits, or neurological diseases may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve muscle mass and reduce hospital stay and readmission rates for elderly patients.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with similar interventions in improving muscle mass and outcomes in elderly populations.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* both sex;
* 65 years and older;
* hospital stay less than 48 hours;

Exclusion Criteria:

* cancer in the last 5 years;
* delirium;
* cognitive deficit that impossibility the patient to read and sign the informed consent form;
* neurological disease;
* neurodegenerative muscular disease;
* impossibility to receive the intervention.

Where this trial is running

São Paulo

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 Atrophy, Muscular
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.