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Postoperative Electrical Muscle Stimulation Two

NCT06964438 · Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 45

Last updated 2025-05-09

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

Undesirable loss of skeletal muscle mass (atrophy) is a common feature of many diseases as well as ageing, bed rest and physical inactivity. Losing muscle can lead to a reduction in one's ability to perform physical activities, and reduce independence and overall health. Muscle mass loss occurs very quickly (i.e., within a few days) after surgery.

The investigators previous work has shown that neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) of the thigh muscles on one side of the body can help maintain muscle mass and strength on the stimulated side after surgery. Since then, additional work has been carried out to find the most effective form of stimulation to build muscle.

The current study aims to use this refined stimulation protocol in a clinical trial on the wards after major abdominal surgery. The intervention will involve delivering stimulation to both thighs in the few days after surgery, so that the investigators can assess whether this stimulation can preserve muscle mass and strength, and also, patients' ability to perform physical activities after surgery. In addition, the study will aim to find out whether any benefit provided by electrical stimulation can be increased further by taking a protein supplement at the same time.

Conditions

Interventions

DEVICE

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation training twice daily (30 minutes per session), during postoperative days 1-4. The training will be carried out using a handheld device. Training will be carried out by the participant themselves, with researcher supervision until independently able to do so.

DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

Protein supplement drink

Whey protein isolate drink, to provide a total of 60 g protein per day (2 x30 g). The supplement will be provided in a powder form to participants. Participants will be asked to consume the supplement around the time of NMES training.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust

    collaborator OTHER

  • University of Nottingham

    lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
18 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2025-05-31
Primary Completion
2026-06-30
Completion
2026-07-31

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Diseases

Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT06964438 on ClinicalTrials.gov