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

NCT ID NCT06316349

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: University of Sao Paulo General Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

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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.

HEART FAILURE NEUROMUSCULAR ELECTRICAL STIMULATION PHYSICAL THERAPY

Contacts and locations

Locations

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

São Paulo, São Paulo, 05403-000, Brazil

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