Could a zappy vest and protein drink save ICU Patients' muscles?

NCT ID NCT07430969

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

Summary

This study tests whether a single session of whole-body electrical muscle stimulation, with or without a dose of amino acids, can improve protein balance in sedated ICU patients on ventilators. Thirty adults will be split into three groups: sham stimulation, real stimulation, or real stimulation plus an amino acid drink. Researchers will measure muscle protein turnover and blood flow to see if these interventions help prevent muscle wasting.

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 and amino acid bolus

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a simple, drug-free way to reduce muscle wasting in critically ill patients on ventilators.

What could go wrong

This is a very early, small study (30 people) looking at short-term protein balance, not long-term muscle strength or recovery. The results may not translate to real-world benefits.

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.

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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

  • Hospital Gelderse Vallei

    RECRUITING

    Ede, Netherlands