Shocking recovery: muscle zaps may help heart patients get back on their feet

NCT ID NCT05338437

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: University of Vermont Medical Center Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This study tested whether using a device that electrically stimulates the thigh muscles at home, for 4 weeks after a hospital stay, could help people with heart failure walk farther and feel stronger. Only 8 people took part, so the results are very early. The goal is to find a simple way to improve recovery without needing to go to a gym or clinic.

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 (device)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a simple at-home therapy to help heart failure patients regain strength after a hospital stay.
What could go wrong: This is a very small pilot study with only 8 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The device may not provide meaningful benefit over standard care.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

diastolic heart failure

As listed by the trial registrant

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

HEART FAILURE WITH PRESERVED EJECTION FRACTION

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Vermont Medical Center

Burlington, Vermont, 05405, United States

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