Focal muscle vibration to limit leg muscle weakness during reduced use
Effects of Focal Muscle Vibration as a Countermeasure Against Hypoactivity-induced Neuromuscular Deconditioning
This trial will see if a 10-day program of focal muscle vibration can limit strength loss in healthy adults whose one leg is temporarily unloaded.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 42 (estimated) |
| Ages | 19 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Saint Etienne Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Saint-Etienne) |
| Trial ID | NCT07021079 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Researchers will use a unilateral lower limb suspension model to mimic hypoactivity and compare a 10-day focal muscle vibration (FMV) protocol versus no vibration. FMV targets muscle spindle afferents and can produce cortical and spinal adaptations that influence neural drive to muscle. The study will measure changes in muscle strength and neuromuscular excitability to determine whether FMV reduces deconditioning. If effective, FMV could be a simple, non-invasive countermeasure during periods of immobilization.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Healthy men and women aged 18–45 with BMI 20–25 kg/m² who do at least 1.5 hours of physical activity per week and have no major medical or neuroactive medication contraindications.
Not a fit: People with chronic cardiovascular, neuromuscular, bone, metabolic or inflammatory disorders, recent trauma, thrombosis risk, or who take neuroactive drugs are unlikely to be eligible or to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce strength loss during short-term leg unloading and improve recovery after immobilization.
How similar studies have performed: Previous experimental and rehabilitation studies of focal muscle vibration have reported neural adaptations and strength gains, but large clinical trials in immobilization models remain limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Men and women. * Aged 18 to 45 years. * Body Mass Index (BMI) between 20 and 25 kg/m². * Engaging in at least 1.5 hours per week of physical activity (e.g., brisk walking, running, swimming, cycling). * Provided informed consent after receiving detailed information about the study. * Affiliated with or beneficiaries of a social security system Exclusion Criteria: * Chronic cardiovascular, neuromuscular, bone, metabolic, and/or inflammatory disorders. * Personal history and/or risk factors for thrombosis. * Use of antidepressant medications. * Use of neuroactive substances likely to alter corticospinal excitability (e.g., hypnotics, antiepileptics, psychotropics, muscle relaxants) during the study. * Recent bone or ligament trauma within the past 12 months. * Inability to perform the physical efforts required for the study. * Recent participation in a sporting competition or intense, unusual physical activity within the past month. * Corticosteroid treatment within the past 3 months. * Any skin lesions at the planned vibrator application site. * Simultaneous participation in another interventional medical study. * Pregnant or breastfeeding women. * Individuals unable to understand the purpose and conditions of the study or unable to provide informed consent. * Individuals deprived of liberty or under guardianship
Where this trial is running
Saint-Etienne
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire — Saint-Etienne, France (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Leonard Feasson, Phd — Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Saint-Etienne
- Study coordinator: Leonard Feasson, Phd
- Email: leonard.feasson@chu-st-etienne.fr
- Phone: (0)477120383
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.