High-definition surface electromyography to diagnose and monitor sarcopenia

Preventing Loss of Autonomy in Older Patients by Improving Diagnosis of Sarcopenia and Monitoring With High-definition Surface Electromyography Technology

Not applicable Interventional Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris · NCT06963359

This project will try high-definition surface electromyography (HD-sEMG) to see if it can diagnose and monitor sarcopenia in people aged 75 and older who score ≥4 on the SARC-F screening questionnaire.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment846 (estimated)
Ages75 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorAssistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris Academic / other
Locations11 sites (Issy-les-Moulineaux and 10 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06963359 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This multicenter, descriptive, cross-sectional, parallel-group study plans to enroll 846 patients aged 75 and over hospitalized in acute geriatric or rehabilitation wards who screen positive for sarcopenia (SARC-F ≥4). Investigators will record HD-sEMG signals and extract features to develop diagnostic markers, alongside quadriceps ultrasound, body composition by bioelectrical impedance (and DEXA when available), grip strength, and the IPAQ physical activity questionnaire. Inclusion is planned over 18 months with an additional 3-month follow-up, and the team aims to build an automatic procedure combining functional and morphological muscle data. The study is coordinated by Assistance Publique–Hôpitaux de Paris across multiple AP-HP hospital sites.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are people aged 75 or older hospitalized in acute geriatric or rehabilitation wards who score ≥4 on the SARC-F and meet the study's inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Not a fit: Patients with BMI ≥30, pacemakers, bilateral hip prostheses, severe cognitive impairment or psychiatric disease preventing tests, very short life expectancy, skin allergies that prevent electrode use, or those under state medical aid (AME) are excluded and unlikely to benefit from participation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, HD-sEMG could provide a non-invasive, bedside tool to detect and monitor sarcopenia earlier and more routinely than current imaging-based methods.

How similar studies have performed: Conventional surface EMG has been used to study muscle activity, but applying high-definition sEMG specifically for sarcopenia diagnosis and monitoring is relatively novel with limited clinical validation so far.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patient aged 75 years and over
* Score ≥4 on the SARC-F screening questionnaire
* Enrolled in a social security plan (no AME)
* Informed and consenting patient

Exclusion Criteria:

* BMI ≥30 kg/m2
* Severe psychiatric pathology or severe cognitive disorders that do not allow the performance of examinations
* Patients who are dependent for all acts of daily life
* Patients with a very short life expectancy \<3months
* Pace maker
* Recent fracture or trauma of the preventing dynamic measurement of HD-sEMG recording
* Bilateral hip prosthesis
* Skin problem that may interfere with the recording of surface EMG activity
* Skin allergies to plasters
* Allergies to electrode materials (acrylate)
* Patient under legal protection
* Patient on state medical aid (AME : Aide Médicale d'Etat)

Where this trial is running

Issy-les-Moulineaux and 10 other locations

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 SarcopeniaHigh definition surface electromyographyMuscle
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.