RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Flexi Band Resistance Training Versus EMS Exercise in Patients With the Diagnosis of Malignant Diseases

This research study is comparing two types of exercise for people with cancer: using flexible resistance bands or a technique called whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS). The main goal is to find out which method, if any, is better at improving muscle strength and muscle mass, especially for those who might be losing muscle due to their illness. We're also checking how these exercises affect overall fitness, inflammation levels in the body, and how patients feel day-to-day, including their quality of life, energy levels, and how well they can do daily activities. This 12-week study aims to help patients undergoing cancer treatment feel stronger and better.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Erlangen-Nürnberg Medical School

Enrolment target

100

Start

01 May 2019

Estimated completion

30 Jun 2026

Cancer Cancer Cachexia Inflammation Muscular Atrophy

What is this study about?

This study is designed to help people with cancer who are currently receiving treatment, or are about to start treatment. We know that cancer and its treatments can sometimes make people feel weak, lose muscle, and generally not feel their best. This research aims to understand if specific exercise programs can help combat these changes.

The study will look at two different ways of exercising. One is using 'flexi band resistance training,' which involves flexible bands to make your muscles work harder, similar to lifting weights. The other method is 'whole-body electromyostimulation' (often shortened to WB-EMS), which uses gentle electrical pulses to stimulate your muscles to contract. We will compare these two active exercise methods with a 'sham' WB-EMS, which feels like the real thing but doesn't deliver the full electrical stimulation, to ensure we understand the true effects of the active treatments.

Over 12 weeks, we will be carefully tracking many things. This includes measuring muscle strength and how much muscle you have, checking your fitness levels (like how easily you can breathe during activity), looking at markers of inflammation in your body, and asking you directly about how you feel – such as your energy levels, your overall quality of life, and how well you can perform your daily tasks. The information we gather will help doctors understand the best ways to support cancer patients during their treatment.

Key takeaways

Compares two exercise types for cancer patients: resistance bands vs. electrical muscle stimulation.
Aims to improve muscle strength, body shape, fitness, and overall well-being.
Study lasts for 12 weeks.
Open to adults (18+) with various types of cancer undergoing treatment.
Could help find better ways to support patients during cancer treatment.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you must have a diagnosis of cancer, either solid tumours (like breast, lung, or bowel cancer) or blood cancers (like leukaemia or lymphoma). You also need to be currently receiving or about to start cancer treatment. Your general health and ability to do daily activities, as assessed by your doctor using a scale called ECOG, should be within a certain range (0-2), meaning you're generally able to look after yourself and perform most daily tasks.

There are several reasons why you might not be able to take part. For example, if you're already involved in another study looking at diet or exercise, or if you have bone cancer that puts you at a high risk of fractures. People with certain serious heart conditions, epilepsy, or severe nerve or joint diseases would also not be able to join. If you have skin issues where the electrical stimulation pads would go, or if you have metal devices like pacemakers in your body, you wouldn't be suitable.

We also cannot include pregnant individuals or those with recent blood clots in their veins. The study is open to both men and women, aged 18 and over.

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.

Do I have a cancer diagnosis (solid or blood cancer)?
Am I currently receiving or planning to start cancer treatment?
Am I generally able to care for myself and perform daily activities (ECOG 0-2)?
Do I have any serious heart conditions, epilepsy, or recent blood clots?
Do I have any metal implants or skin conditions where electrodes would be placed?
Am I pregnant or currently participating in another exercise/diet study?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you'll be involved for a total of 12 weeks. During this time, you will be assigned to one of four groups: exercising with resistance bands, exercising with whole-body electrical muscle stimulation (WB-EMS), a version of WB-EMS that feels similar but is a 'sham' (less active), or a 'free' WB-EMS group. The specific exercise routine and how often you'd need to come in for sessions will depend on the group you're in, but it will involve regular exercise over the 12 weeks.

Throughout the study, you'll have several assessments. These will include checking your muscle strength, measuring your body composition (like how much muscle you have), assessing your heart and lung fitness, and taking blood samples to look at inflammation. You'll also be asked to complete questionnaires about how you feel, your quality of life, and your energy levels. There are no specific medications given as part of this study, as it focuses on exercise interventions.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer several potential benefits, such as improved muscle strength, increased muscle mass, better fitness, and an overall improvement in how you feel and your quality of life. However, there are also potential risks, as with any exercise program, such as muscle soreness, fatigue, or in rare cases, minor skin irritation from the electrical pads. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your ongoing medical care.

Locations (1)

Department of Medicine 1, Hector-Center for Nutrition, Exercise and Sports
Verified postcode
Erlangen, Germany· Recruiting

Common questions

What is whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS)?

WB-EMS uses a special suit or pads that deliver gentle electrical pulses to your muscles to make them contract, helping to build strength and muscle.

What is 'Flexi Band Resistance Training'?

This involves using elastic bands of different strengths to provide resistance as you exercise, making your muscles work harder, similar to lifting weights.

How long will the study last if I join?

The exercise program for the study will last for 12 weeks.

Will I know which exercise group I'm in?

You may not know if you are in an active exercise group or the less active 'sham' group until after the study is over, as this helps us get accurate results.

Who can participate in this study?

This study is for adults over 18 who have a cancer diagnosis and are currently undergoing or starting cancer treatment.

How to find out more

Hans Joachim Herrmann, Dr.

hans.herrmann@uk-erlangen.de +49 9131 8545218 Official trial record

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