Could zapping thigh muscles and sipping protein shakes stop muscle wasting after cancer surgery?
NCT ID NCT06964438
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.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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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.
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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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Study contacts
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Contact
Email: •••••@•••••
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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Royal Derby Hospital
RECRUITINGDerby, Derbyshire, DE22 3NE, United Kingdom