Using AI to analyze ultrasound for detecting weakness in ICU patients

Artificial IntelligenCe Based UlTrasonographic Assessment of IntensiVe CAre UniT-acquired WEakness (ACTIVATE)

Jena University Hospital · NCT06765551

This study is testing if artificial intelligence can help doctors use ultrasound images to spot weakness in critically ill patients in the ICU and see how it affects their recovery.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorJena University Hospital (other)
Locations1 site (Jena, Thuringia)
Trial IDNCT06765551 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to explore whether artificial intelligence can effectively analyze neuromuscular ultrasound images to identify and monitor Intensive Care Unit-acquired Weakness (ICUAW) in critically ill patients. The study will assess specific ultrasound parameters and their correlation with the severity of ICUAW and patient outcomes at 30 and 90 days. By utilizing AI, the study seeks to provide a more objective and consistent method for diagnosing ICUAW, especially in patients who are unable to cooperate during traditional assessments.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients aged 18 and older undergoing major elective surgeries with an expected ICU stay of more than one day.

Not a fit: Patients with preexisting neuromuscular or central nervous system diseases, or those undergoing emergency surgeries, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to earlier and more accurate detection of ICUAW, improving patient management and outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of AI in ultrasound analysis is a growing field, this specific application for ICUAW detection is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients aged 18 years or above
* Major elective surgery, e.g. cardiothoracic or abdominal surgery
* Expected ICU stay \>1 day postoperatively
* Healthy, age-machted subjects without ICUAW (recruited from staff of the department of anesthesiology and intensive care medicine)

Exclusion Criteria:

* No informed consent
* Emergency surgery
* Previous participation in the same study
* Preexisting neuromuscular disease
* Preexisting central nervous system disease with residual neuromuscular impairment (e.g. cerebral haemorrhage, stroke, brain tumor)
* High-dose glucocorticoid therapy (\>300 mg hydrocortisone or equivalent per day) before or during particiation in the study

Where this trial is running

Jena, Thuringia

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Intensive Care Unit-acquired Weakness, Artifical Intelligence, Ultrasound, weakness, neuromuscular, critical illness polyneuropathy, critical illness myopathy, neuromuscular impairment

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.