RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

High-definition Surface Electromyography Markers for the Diagnosis of Sarcopenia

This UK study wants to find easier ways to diagnose sarcopenia, a common condition in older people where they lose muscle strength and size. Sarcopenia can make daily tasks harder and increase the risk of falls. Currently, diagnosing sarcopenia can involve complex tests that aren't always available. This research will test a new, non-invasive device called HD-sEMG. It works by looking at the electrical signals from muscles. Researchers will use it on 50 hospital patients, aged 75 and over, who are suspected of having sarcopenia. They will also do other tests like muscle scans and strength checks. The aim is to see if this new device could become a simple, portable way to diagnose sarcopenia in the future.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris

Enrolment target

175

Start

18 May 2022

Estimated completion

18 Dec 2026

Sarcopenia

What is this study about?

As we get older, it's common for our muscles to naturally weaken and shrink, a process called sarcopenia. This can make everyday activities, like walking or getting up from a chair, much harder. It can also increase the risk of falls and generally affect how independent we are.

Doctors currently diagnose sarcopenia using various methods, but some of these, like special scans, aren't always easy to access. This study aims to explore a new, simpler way to detect sarcopenia. Researchers are testing a device called High-Definition Surface Electromyography, or HD-sEMG for short. This device is non-invasive, meaning it doesn't go inside your body, and could potentially be portable, making it easier to use in different settings.

In this study, 50 patients aged 75 and over who are currently in hospital and show signs of sarcopenia will have their muscles checked using this new device. They will also have other standard tests, like measuring muscle size and strength, to compare against. The goal is to see if the HD-sEMG device can accurately and easily identify sarcopenia, helping doctors to diagnose and manage the condition more effectively in the future.

Key takeaways

This study aims to find an easier way to diagnose sarcopenia.
It involves testing a new, non-invasive device called HD-sEMG.
50 hospital patients, aged 75 and over, will take part.
Participation lasts about one month during your hospital stay.
Tests include muscle scans, strength checks, and questionnaires.
The goal is to improve future diagnosis of muscle loss in older adults.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for volunteers who are 75 years old or older and are currently in a hospital ward designed for older people. You would also need to have a screening score (SARC-F) that suggests you might have sarcopenia. You'll also need to be able to understand the study and agree to take part.

However, there are reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have very poor balance, certain long-term health conditions that aren't well controlled, or severe memory problems that would make it hard to do the tests, you might not be suitable. Similarly, if you have certain skin conditions, very recent fractures, or hip replacements that would affect the special muscle recordings, you wouldn't be able to take part. The researchers want to make sure the study tests are safe and accurate for everyone involved.

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 75 years old or older?
Are you currently receiving care in a hospital ward for older patients?
Do you have signs that suggest you might have muscle weakness or loss?
Are you able to understand and agree to take part in the study?
Do you have a BMI under 30?
Do you have any skin conditions on your legs that might affect sticky pads?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you take part in this study, the total time you would be involved is about one month, as part of your usual hospital care. During this time, you would have several assessments. These would include using the new HD-sEMG device, which measures muscle activity from the surface of your skin. You'd also have an ultrasound scan of your thigh muscles and answer a questionnaire about your physical activity habits.

Additionally, you'd have your body composition checked using a specialised X-ray scan called DEXA, which measures muscle, fat, and bone. Your muscle strength would be measured using a handgrip test, and your overall physical performance would also be assessed. The study team will also look at information from your existing medical records. There are no new medications involved, and all tests will be done during your hospital stay.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might not directly benefit you, but the information collected could help doctors develop new and simpler ways to diagnose sarcopenia for other patients in the future. The tests are generally safe; for example, the HD-sEMG is non-invasive, and the DEXA scan uses a very low dose of radiation. However, there's always a small chance of discomfort from doing the physical performance tests or from having electrodes placed on your skin. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this would not affect your medical care.

Locations (6)

Service de gériatrie aigue polyvalente (GAP)
Verified postcode
Ivry-sur-Seine, France· Recruiting
Service de soins de suite et de réadaptation Gériatrique 1
Verified postcode
Ivry-sur-Seine, France· Recruiting
Service de soins de suite et de réadaptation gériatrique 2
Verified postcode
Ivry-sur-Seine, France· Recruiting
Unité d'Explorations fonctionnelles du sujet âgé, Hôpital Charles Foix
Verified postcode
Ivry-sur-Seine, France· Not yet recruiting
Service de soins de suite et de réadaptation -Plaies et cicatrisation
Verified postcode
Paris, France· Recruiting
Service de soins de suite et de réadaptation Gériatrique Hôpital Rothschild
Verified postcode
Paris, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is sarcopenia?

Sarcopenia is a condition where people lose muscle mass and strength as they get older, which can make daily activities harder.

What is HD-sEMG?

HD-sEMG is a new, non-invasive device that measures the electrical signals from your muscles using small sensors placed on your skin, like a sticker.

Will I have to take any new medicine?

No, this study is about diagnosis, not treatment. You will not be given any new medications as part of the study.

How long will I be in the study?

You will be involved for about one month while you are in the hospital, as part of your routine care.

Will this study help me directly?

While this study might not directly change your treatment, the information gathered could help doctors diagnose sarcopenia more easily for other people in the future.

How to find out more

Kiyoka KINUGAWA, MD PhD

kiyoka.kinugawa@aphp.fr +331 49 59 47 53 Official trial record

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