Painless muscle test could change how we track nerve diseases
NCT ID NCT01900132
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Sep 02, 2026 · Updated 16 times
Summary
This study is testing a new, painless device called electrical impedance myography (EIM) to measure muscle health. Researchers will use it on healthy volunteers and people with neuromuscular diseases to see how well it works compared to standard tests like ultrasound and nerve studies. The goal is to gather information, not to treat any condition. Participants include both children and adults.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could lead to a simpler, pain-free way to monitor muscle and nerve diseases over time.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early observational study, not a treatment trial. It may not lead to any new diagnostic tool or change in care.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 275 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Jun 2013
- Expected to finish
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Jun 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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A government research agency
The lead sponsor is the US National Institutes of Health.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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2 to 110 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
* INCLUSION CRITERIA: HEALTHY VOLUNTEERS-ADULTS 1. Healthy adults, male or female, aged 18 years old or older, 2. In good general health as evidenced by medical history 3. Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study. 4. Ability of subject to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document. HEALTHY VOLUNTEERS-PEDIATRIC 1. Healthy children, male or female, age 7-18, 2. In good general health as evidenced by medical history 3. Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study 4. Ability of subject or Legally Authorized Representative (LAR)) to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document. SUBJECTS WITH NEUROMUSCULAR DISEASE Adult and pediatric, male or female, patients with a neuromuscular disorder are eligible even if the exact etiology of the disorder is unknown at the time of enrollment into this study. This will include neuropathy, myopathy and motor neuron disorders. It is expected that the subjects are undergoing appropriate standard diagnostic and genetic work-up outside of this protocol that will later clarify the specific etiology of the disorder. Movement disorder will also be included because of the prior research done on dystonia and EIM. Inclusion criteria 1. Suspected motor neuron disease or 2. Suspected myopathy or 3. Suspected neuropathy or 4. Suspected movement disorders that impair intracortical processes 5. Age of 2 years or older 6. Ability of subject to sign a written informed consent document. NIH EMPLOYEES: NIH employees and staff may participate, however EMG Section, OCD, NINDS, employees may not participate. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: HEALTHY VOLUNTEERS-ADULTS 1. Medical conditions that require medications that affects the physiological measures being tested. Some conditions that may be excluded are diabetes, kidney and liver disease. 2. History of stroke, muscle disorders, peripheral neuropathy or spine surgery HEALTHY VOLUNTEERS-PEDIATRIC 1. Medical conditions that require medications that affects the physiological measures being tested. Some conditions that may be excluded are diabetes, kidney and liver disease. 2. History of stroke, muscle disorders, peripheral neuropathy or spine surgery SUBJECTS WITH NEUROMUSCULAR DISEASE: No clinical evidence of a neuromuscular disorder on clinical evaluation.
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
RECRUITINGBethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States
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