Using brain stimulation to treat muscle weakness in autoimmune myopathy patients
Official title: Acute Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Patients With Systemic Autoimmune Myopathies
Run by University of Sao Paulo · NCT03749538 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if a new type of brain stimulation can help people with autoimmune myopathy improve their muscle strength and overall health.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Sao Paulo Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (São Paulo) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 1, 2018 |
| Main results expected | May 6, 2024 |
| Study ends | December 4, 2024 |
| Registry record updated | December 5, 2024 |
| Trial ID | NCT03749538 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are individuals diagnosed with systemic autoimmune myopathies who exhibit objective muscle limb weakness.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with neoplasia, heart pacemakers, visceral metallic clips, infections, pregnancy, or a history of convulsions or epilepsies may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the safety and efficacy of acute transcranial direct current stimulation in patients diagnosed with systemic autoimmune myopathies, a group of diseases that primarily affect skeletal muscles. It employs a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design to ensure robust results. The goal is to determine whether this non-invasive brain stimulation technique can improve muscle function and overall patient outcomes. Currently, there are no existing studies that have explored this approach in the context of autoimmune myopathies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide a novel therapeutic option for improving muscle strength and function in patients with systemic autoimmune myopathies.
How similar studies have gone: While transcranial direct current stimulation has been studied in other contexts, such as stroke recovery and athletic performance, this specific application in systemic autoimmune myopathies is novel and untested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Classification criteria - EULAR/ACR 2017 * Classification critera - Connors et al. * Objective muscle limb weakness Exclusion Criteria: * Neoplasia * Using heart pacemarker * Using visceral metalic clips * Infections (HIV, HTLV-1, Hepatitis, etc) * Pregnance * Previous historical of convulsions or epilepsies
Where it's running
-
Samuel K Shinjo
São Paulo, Brazil Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Samuel K Shinjo — Universidade de Sao Paulo - Rheumatology Division
- Study coordinator: Samuel K Shinjo
- Email: samuel.shinjo@gmail.com
- Phone: 1130617176
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.