Could zapping thigh muscles and sipping protein shakes stop muscle wasting after cancer surgery?

NCT ID NCT06964438

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: University of Nottingham Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This trial investigates whether using a device that sends mild electrical pulses to the thigh muscles (neuromuscular electrical stimulation, or NMES) can prevent muscle loss and weakness after abdominal surgery for colorectal or gastric cancer. Some participants will also receive a whey protein drink to see if it boosts the effect. The study involves 45 adults undergoing curative surgery, and measures muscle size, strength, and physical function in the days after the operation.

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 (NMES) and whey protein supplement drink
What this could lead to: If it works, this approach could help people recover faster and maintain muscle strength after major abdominal surgery for gastrointestinal cancer.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage trial with only 45 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The benefits of adding protein to electrical stimulation are uncertain.

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.

colorectal cancer colorectal neoplasm digestive system cancer digestive system neoplasm gastric cancer muscular atrophy

As listed by the trial registrant

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

CANCER GI COLORECTAL CANCER MUSCLE ATROPHY SURGERY

Contacts and locations

Locations

Royal Derby Hospital
RECRUITING

Derby, Derbyshire, DE22 3NE, United Kingdom

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