New Game-Based therapy aims to stop muscle loss in hospitalized seniors

NCT ID NCT07294131

Disease control Sponsor: Vrije Universiteit Brussel Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Sep 16, 2026 · Updated 3 times

Summary

This study tests a new approach called GHOSTLY+ to help older adults (65+) maintain muscle strength while hospitalized. The system combines light leg exercises with a blood flow restriction cuff and a tablet game that responds to muscle activity. 120 patients across three hospitals will either receive standard physiotherapy or add GHOSTLY+ sessions. The goal is to see if this engaging method can prevent the rapid muscle loss that often leads to longer recovery and loss of independence.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Gamified isometric strength training with blood flow restriction (GHOSTLY+ device)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could provide a safe, engaging way for older adults to preserve muscle strength and independence during hospitalization, reducing disability after discharge.
What could go wrong: This is a Phase 2 trial with 120 participants, so results are preliminary. The intervention may not be effective for all patients, and some may find the exercises or blood flow restriction uncomfortable.

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

Phase 2

Tests whether the treatment actually works, and watches for side effects, in a larger group.

Participants

About 120 people

The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.

Started

Jun 2026

Expected to finish

Jan 2029

An estimate. End dates often move.

Lead sponsor

Other sponsor

The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.

Who can take part

This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.

Ages

65 years and older

Sex

Anyone

Healthy volunteers

Accepted

You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.

Show 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.

PATIENTS Inclusion Criteria: * Hospitalized, and expected to remain hospitalized for approximately 14 days * 65+ yrs * Unable to bear weight or transfer independently and at high risk of muscle strength loss due to prolonged immobility Exclusion Criteria: * Contraindications for physical exercise as assessed by the treating physician using the risk assessment tool proposed by Kacin et al. (2015) (can be overruled by the physician) * Contraindications for blood flow restriction as assessed by the treating physician (can be overruled by the physician) * Cognitive impairment (MMSE score \< 19) * Any condition that renders the patient unable to understand instructions or safely interact with the GHOSTLY+ system THERAPISTS Inclusion Criteria: Therapists will be included if * They are licensed physiotherapists employed at one of the three participating clinical sites * They are involved in the daily rehabilitation of hospitalized older adults. Exclusion Criteria: Therapists will be excluded from participation if * They are unable or unwilling to complete the GHOSTLY+ training * They are not directly involved in the care of eligible patients during the study period * They express any conflict of interest or ethical concern that may compromise the integrity of the study

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As listed by the trial registrant

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

Hospital associated disability Immobility Older adults (65 years and older)

How to take part

Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.

The places running it

3 sites. The list below names each one and where it is.
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.

New Game-Based therapy aims to stop muscle loss in hospitalized seniors

What the study statuses mean