Effects of Whole-body Electrical Muscle Stimulation Exercise on Adults withNeuromuscular Disease
This single-arm pilot study evaluates the effects of whole-body electrical muscle stimulation (WB-EMS) exercise on neuromuscular and physical function in adults with neuromuscular disease (NMD). Due to motor unit impairments, NMD patients often cannot tolerate traditional exercise. WB-EMS bypasses voluntary activation limits by directly stimulating muscle contractions. Up to 50 adults with conditions like ALS, SMA, and MG will undergo 20-minute supervised WB-EMS sessions (1-2 times weekly for 4-8 weeks) using the Katalyst system. Outcomes include neural excitability (TMS), motor unit behavior (EMG, NCS), functional tests (walk, balance, strength), and patient-reported fatigue, pain, and quality of life. Strict safety monitoring and exclusion criteria are in place. This study will provide preliminary data on WB-EMS as a potential exercise modality for NMD.
• Age 18 or older
• Diagnosed with one or more of the following neuromuscular conditions: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, primary lateral sclerosis, progressive muscle atrophy, spinal muscular atrophy, postpolio syndrome, inclusion body myositis, pompedisease, fascioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy, charcot marie tooth disease, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, hereditary spastic paraplegia, myasthenia gravis, lambert-eaton myasthenic syndrome, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, mitochondrial myopathy, nemaline myopathy, centronuclear myopathy, lumbar radiculopathy, non-specific low back pain.
• Ability to stand for approximately 15 minutes continuously with or without an assistive device (i.e. the length of time to stand to take a shower, complete meal preparation, wait in line at the bank, etc.)
• At least some anti-gravity strength in major muscle groups as assessed by manual muscle testing (i.e. 2+/5 strength or better)
• Medical clearance to participate in an exercise program
• Ability to provide informed consent
• Ability to conform to the requirements of the study (i.e. attendance at assessment and intervention visits, maintain current level of non-study physical activity for the duration of the study, no intention to relocate mid-study)