RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Effects of Microcurrent Treatment With and Without Resistance Exercises

This study is investigating whether a treatment called microcurrent, either on its own or combined with a resistance exercise programme, can improve muscle strength, body health, and physical fitness in adults aged 40 to 65. We know that as people get older, muscles can become weaker, a condition sometimes called sarcopenia. This research wants to see if microcurrent could help slow down this process. Participants will be divided into different groups: some will get microcurrent, some will do exercises, some will do both, and some will do neither (a 'sham' group for comparison). The study will last 6 weeks, and researchers will measure changes in muscles and overall fitness.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Greenwich

Enrolment target

Start

01 May 2022

Estimated completion

31 Aug 2024

Sarcopenia Ageing Well

What is this study about?

This research is looking into ways to help middle-aged adults (between 40 and 65 years old) keep their muscles strong and their bodies fit as they naturally age. As we get older, our muscles can become weaker, and this can affect how easily we can do everyday activities. This process is sometimes called sarcopenia. The study wants to explore if a treatment called 'microcurrent' could make a difference.

Microcurrent therapy uses tiny electrical currents, so small you might not even feel them, to help the body. It's already approved for managing pain and helping tissues heal. The researchers want to find out if using this microcurrent treatment, either by itself or together with a simple exercise routine, can improve muscle strength, how your body is made up (like the amount of muscle versus fat), and your overall physical ability. They'll also compare these groups to others who don't get the microcurrent or just do exercises with a dummy (sham) device.

Your participation would help us understand more about keeping muscles healthy. By comparing different combinations of microcurrent and exercise, the study aims to discover the most effective ways to support physical well-being as we age, potentially helping to prevent muscle weakness and improve quality of life for many people in the future.

Key takeaways

Study for adults 40-65 to improve muscle strength and fitness.
Investigates microcurrent treatment, exercise, or a combination.
Aims to understand how to keep muscles healthy as we age.
Participation involves 6 weeks of treatment/exercise and assessments.
Helps researchers find new ways to prevent age-related muscle weakness.
Volunteers are randomly assigned to different groups without knowing their treatment.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for both men and women aged between 40 and 65 years old. To take part, you should not currently be exercising regularly. This means you don't usually do much physical activity or regular workouts.

There are certain reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have any problems with your bones, joints, or muscles, or if you have certain health conditions like diabetes. You also can't take part if you are currently taking medications, smoking, or using special nutritional supplements (like creatine or protein shakes) that are known to affect your physical performance or muscle recovery. These restrictions help make sure that the results of the study are as clear as possible and truly reflect the effects of the microcurrent and exercise.

It's important that you also haven't had any musculoskeletal injuries, certain health conditions, or been taking specific medications or supplements (including many vitamins) in the 6 weeks before the study starts. These rules help ensure everyone in the study starts from a similar baseline, making the study results more reliable.

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 40 and 65 years old?
Do you currently NOT exercise regularly (e.g., no regular gym, sports, or physical training)?
Do you have no significant musculoskeletal injuries or ongoing health conditions?
Are you currently NOT taking medications, smoking, or using supplements that affect physical performance or muscle recovery?
Have you avoided such medications and supplements for at least 6 weeks?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, the study will last for 6 weeks. You'll be put into one of four groups by chance, like flipping a coin. You won't know which group you're in, and neither will the researchers. Some groups will get the microcurrent treatment (which involves using a small device on your skin), others will do a resistance exercise programme (using elastic bands), some will do both, and one group will use a dummy (sham) device without actual treatment or do exercises with a sham device.

If you're in an exercise group, you'll come for 2 supervised exercise sessions per week for the 6 weeks. These sessions will involve simple exercises using elastic bands to build strength and muscle. If you're in a non-exercise group, you'll still have a 6-week period using the microcurrent or sham device at home.

Before you start and after the 6 weeks, you'll have some measurements taken. These include checks of your body make-up (like muscle and fat), your strength, how well you can move, and pictures of your muscles using ultrasound. There will also be some blood tests to look at markers related to your immune system. You'll also use the microcurrent or sham device provided by Arc4Health.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could offer several potential benefits, such as improving your muscle strength, physical fitness, and overall body composition. You might also gain a better understanding of how microcurrent and exercise can contribute to healthy ageing. The resistance exercises are designed to be safe and are supervised. There are minimal risks associated with microcurrent treatment; it's a non-invasive method using very small electrical currents. As with any exercise, there's a small risk of muscle soreness or minor injury, but the programme is carefully designed to minimise this. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

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

School of Human Sciences, University of Greenwich, Avery Hill Campus, Sparrows Farm
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is microcurrent treatment?

Microcurrent treatment involves placing a small device on your skin that sends very tiny, gentle electrical currents through your body. It's often used for pain relief and healing.

Do I have to exercise if I join the study?

Not necessarily. The study has different groups. Some will do exercises, some will only use the microcurrent device, some will do both, and some will do neither active treatment (a 'sham' group).

Will I know if I'm getting the real microcurrent or a dummy device?

No, neither you nor the researchers will know who is getting the real microcurrent treatment or the dummy (sham) device. This helps make the study results more accurate.

How long will I be involved in the study?

If you participate, the main study period will last for 6 weeks, with measurements taken at the beginning and the end of this period.

Will I have to pay to join the study?

No, participation in the study is voluntary and you will not have to pay to take part. The devices will be provided to participants for use during the study period.

How to find out more

Fernando Naclerio, PhD

f.j.naclerio@greenwich.ac.uk 020 8331 8441 Official trial record

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