Improving muscle activation in patients with neuromotor disorders

Measuring Voluntary Activation of the Quadriceps Femoris During Isokinetic Concentric Contractions with the Interpolated Twitch Technique (ITT) in Subjects with Neuromotor Disorders

This study is trying to see if a special technique can help people with neuromotor disorders, like multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease, improve their muscle activation during leg exercises.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 20 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 70 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Istituto Auxologico Italiano (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Milan, MI)
• Trial ID: NCT04607174 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the level of voluntary muscle activation during isokinetic contractions in patients with neuromotor disorders such as multiple sclerosis, post-stroke hemiparesis, and Parkinson's disease. It aims to understand how these patients can achieve better muscle activation, which is often impaired due to central nervous system issues or peripheral damage. The study will utilize the interpolated twitch technique to measure muscle activation during knee flexion-extension tasks. By focusing on isokinetic contractions, this research seeks to fill a gap in existing literature regarding muscle activation in these populations.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 70 with specific neuromotor disorders who can perform knee flexion-extension movements.

Not a fit: Patients with severe orthopedic conditions, cognitive impairments, or those on anticoagulant therapy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved rehabilitation strategies for patients with neuromotor disorders, enhancing their muscle function and overall mobility.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research on isokinetic contractions in this context, studies on muscle activation in other settings have shown promising results, suggesting potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* age between 18 and 70 years old;
* ability to sign the informed consent form;
* ability to understand the instructions and to complete the motor task;
* voluntary knee flexion-extension range of at least 70°;
* maximal extension of angle \< 30° (0°=full extension, 180° sagittal tibio-femural angle).

Exclusion Criteria:

* pregnancy;
* a history of epilepsy (to avoid the risk for seizures triggered by the stimuli);
* Mini Mental State Examination ≤27/30;
* implanted electro-sensitive devices;
* any orthopedic condition limiting the articular mobility or muscular strength of the lower limbs;
* current treatment with oral anticoagulant therapy (to avoid the risk for muscle hemorrhage);
* medium/serius osteoporosis (femoral Bone Mineral Density on the affected side, t-score \< (-3.5));
* familiarity with the testing method.

Where this trial is running

Milan, MI

• Istituto Auxologico Italiano — Milan, Mi, Italy (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Luigi Tesio, MD, Full professor — Istituto Auxologico Italiano
• Study coordinator: Luigi Tesio, MD, Full Professor

Conditions Multiple Sclerosis; Poststroke/CVA Hemiparesis; Parkinson Disease; Knee Impairment; voluntary activation; lower limb; interpolated twitch technique; rehabilitation