Could a jolt of electricity help heart patients rebuild leg muscle faster?

NCT ID NCT06316349

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study compares a standard leg exercise program alone versus the same program combined with neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in heart failure patients who have a temporary heart pump (intra-aortic balloon pump) in their leg. The goal is to see if adding NMES helps preserve or restore thigh muscle size, strength, and quality. Participants will follow an 18-day exercise protocol, with muscle measurements taken via ultrasound and strength tests, followed by a 14-day observation period.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

neuromuscular electrical stimulation

What this could lead to

If effective, this approach could speed up muscle recovery and improve mobility for heart failure patients who need temporary mechanical heart support.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-stage trial with only 60 participants, so results may not apply to all patients. The intervention is short-term, and long-term benefits are unknown.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for HEART FAILURE are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

heart failure

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Instituto do Coração - Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo

    RECRUITING

    São Paulo, São Paulo, 05403-000, Brazil

    Contact

    Contact