Not yet recruitingObservational

Optical electromyography for the diagnosis of nerve and muscle disorders

This research is looking for a better way to diagnose muscle and nerve problems, like those affecting how you move. Currently, doctors often use a test called an EMG, which involves a tiny needle in the muscle. This study is testing a new type of EMG needle called 'Optical EMG'. This special needle can shine light into the muscle and 'read' how the light changes. These changes might tell us useful things about the muscle that could help doctors diagnose conditions faster. The goal is to see if this new method can diagnose conditions that currently take a long time to figure out. We're inviting healthy volunteers and people with specific muscle conditions to take part. Your involvement could help improve future diagnostic tests for many patients.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

University of Exeter

Enrolment target

Start

01 Dec 2026

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2027

Nerve and muscle disorders

What is this study about?

This research is trying out a brand new approach to help doctors understand and diagnose problems with nerves and muscles. When someone has symptoms like weakness or unusual movements, doctors need to find out what's causing it. One common test is called an EMG, which uses a thin needle to record electrical signals in the muscle. This test has been used for a long time and is very good.

However, this study is exploring an even newer technique using what we call 'Optical EMG'. This isn't just about electricity; it's also about light. The special needle has tiny parts that shine light into your muscle. This light then changes in different ways, depending on how healthy the muscle is. By looking at these changes, doctors hope to get more insights than ever before, which could lead to quicker and more accurate diagnoses.

The main aim is to develop a method that could eventually allow people with muscle or nerve conditions to get a diagnosis much faster than is currently possible. Sometimes, it can take months, and patients might need more invasive tests like muscle biopsies. If this new 'Optical EMG' works well, it could reduce this waiting time and make the diagnostic process much simpler for people in the future.

Key takeaways

This study is testing a new way to diagnose muscle and nerve problems.
It uses a special needle that shines light into muscles for more information.
The goal is faster, less invasive diagnoses for patients in the future.
We need healthy volunteers and people with certain muscle conditions to help.
Your participation could lead to big improvements in medical diagnosis.
You can discuss any concerns with the research team or your doctor.

Who may be eligible?

We're looking for a few different groups of people to take part in this study. Firstly, we need healthy volunteers, aged 18 to 90, who don't have any known nerve problems or symptoms that suggest weakness in their arms or legs.

Secondly, we're inviting people aged 18 to 90 who are currently having tests for symptoms that might be motor neuron disease or similar conditions. This includes types like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Your doctor might have already mentioned some of these names.

Finally, we're looking for people, also aged 18 to 90, who have already been diagnosed with a specific muscle condition called inclusion body myositis (IBM). For everyone involved, it's important that you don't have any known bleeding issues, aren't taking certain blood-thinning medications, aren't pregnant, and are able to understand and agree to take part.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 90 years old?
Do you have a known bleeding disorder or take blood-thinning medication?
Are you pregnant?
Are you a healthy person with no known nerve problems or weakness?
Are you currently being investigated for potential motor neuron disease?
Do you have a diagnosis of inclusion body myositis (IBM)?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you would first have a regular EMG test, which is a standard procedure. After that, you would have the new 'Optical EMG' test. Both of these tests involve placing a small, thin needle into a couple of your muscles to check their activity. The research team will explain everything fully before you agree to take part. The study is planned to run from December 2026 to December 2027.

Potential risks and benefits

There isn't a direct personal benefit for you by taking part in this study, but your involvement is very important. It will help researchers develop a new diagnostic tool that, if successful, could profoundly improve how muscle and nerve conditions are diagnosed in the future – potentially making it much faster and less invasive for other patients. As with any medical procedure involving needles, there's a small risk of discomfort, bruising, or a slight chance of infection. However, the team will ensure your safety throughout the process. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and it won't affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Sheffield, England

Common questions

What is an EMG and why is it used?

An EMG (electromyography) is a test that helps doctors check the health of your muscles and the nerves that control them. It uses a small needle to record electrical signals in the muscle.

What is 'Optical EMG' and how is it different?

Optical EMG is a new type of EMG that uses a special needle. Besides recording electrical signals, it also shines light into the muscle. The way the light changes can give doctors extra information about muscle health.

Will taking part in this study benefit me directly?

While you won't get a direct personal benefit, your participation is crucial. It helps researchers develop a new test that could make diagnoses much quicker and less invasive for others in the future.

Where is this study taking place?

The research is supported by the University of Exeter and run from the University of Sheffield, both in the UK.

Who is paying for this research?

The study is funded by the MRC Developmental Pathway Funding Scheme (DPFS) and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), both important research funders in the UK.

How to find out more

James Alix

j.alix@sheffield.ac.uk - Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.