Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Modulated Mid-frequency Whole-body Electromyostimulation and Nutritional Therapy in Gastrointestinal Cancer Patients

This study aims to make people with certain types of gut cancer feel stronger and more independent by combining a special type of gentle electrical muscle stimulation with healthy eating advice. We want to see if this electrical 'boost' helps build muscle and improve energy more effectively than regular exercise training alone. Participants will be split into two groups. One group will have the electrical stimulation and nutritional advice, while the other will do standard exercise and receive the same nutritional advice. The study focuses on cancers of the food pipe, stomach, and bowel. By comparing the two groups, we hope to understand if adding this electrical muscle stimulation is a better way to help patients recover and improve their physical well-being.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Cologne

Enrolment target

Start

01 Jun 2025

Estimated completion

01 Sep 2026

Oesophageal Cancer Gastric Cancer Duodenal Cancer Colorectal Cancer

What is this study about?

This study is investigating new ways to help people living with certain types of cancer affecting their digestive system, such as cancers of the food pipe (oesophagus), stomach, or bowel (colon and rectum). Sometimes, these cancers and their treatments can make people feel weaker or lose muscle, which can affect their daily life and independence. We want to see if a combination of special muscle training and good nutrition can help improve strength and overall well-being.

The muscle training involves something called 'whole-body electromyostimulation' (don't worry about the long name!). It's a bit like a gentle electrical current that causes your muscles to contract, similar to what happens when you exercise. The idea is that this could help your muscles grow and work better. We're teaming this up with personalised nutritional advice to give your body the building blocks it needs to get stronger.

Our main goal is to find out if this special type of muscle training, when combined with healthy eating, is better at helping patients build muscle and use their energy more effectively than just doing regular exercise with the same nutritional support. We believe that if we can help patients get stronger, they will feel more mobile and independent, which is really important during and after cancer treatment.

Key takeaways

Exploring new ways to improve strength and energy for gut cancer patients.
Compares special electrical muscle training with standard exercise.
Includes personalised healthy eating advice for all participants.
Aims to boost muscle growth and overall well-being.
Participation involves being randomly assigned to one of two groups.
Helps researchers understand the best ways to support recovery.

Who may be eligible?

This study might be suitable for you if you have or have had cancer of the food pipe, stomach, or bowel area (including the small bowel called the duodenum, or the colon and rectum). This applies whether you've had surgery and no further treatment, or if you're receiving treatment before or after your surgery.

To join, you must be at least 18 years old and your doctor must confirm that you are healthy enough to take part in exercise. You'll also need to sign a consent form to show you understand and agree to participate.

However, there are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you already have certain electronic devices inside your body like a pacemaker, or if you have specific heart problems, epilepsy, or unhealed wounds or fractures. We also can't include pregnant women or those already taking part in other studies about exercise or nutrition.

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 18 years old or older?
Do you have cancer of the food pipe, stomach, duodenum, or bowel?
Has your doctor said you are well enough to exercise?
Do you *not* have a pacemaker or other electronic implants?
Are you *not* pregnant?
Are you *not* currently participating in another exercise or nutrition study?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to join this study, you will be randomly placed into one of two groups. This means it's like a coin flip – either you'll be in the group that receives the special electrical muscle stimulation and nutritional advice, or the group that does standard exercise and receives the same nutritional advice. Both groups will get guidance on healthy eating through digital coaching.

We haven't specified the exact number of visits or the total time commitment, but generally, studies like this involve regular sessions, perhaps once or twice a week, over several weeks or months. During these visits, you'll either have the electrical stimulation applied through electrodes on your skin or perform guided exercises. There will also be tests along the way, like measuring muscle mass and energy use, to see how you're progressing. The total duration of your involvement will be explained in detail if you consider joining.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer several potential benefits. You could see an improvement in your muscle strength and overall energy levels, which could help you feel more mobile and independent. However, like any exercise or medical intervention, there are potential risks. The electrical stimulation might cause mild discomfort or skin irritation where the electrodes are placed. There's also the general risk of injury from exercise, though all activities will be supervised. It's very important to remember that you are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Universitätsklinikum Köln, Centrum für Integrierte Onkologie (CIO)
Verified postcode
Cologne, Germany

Common questions

What is 'electromyostimulation'?

It's a special way of exercising where gentle electrical pulses are used to make your muscles contract, helping them get stronger.

Will the electrical stimulation hurt?

Most people describe it as unusual but not painful. It feels like a tingling or buzzing sensation that makes your muscles tighten.

Do I have to change my diet for this study?

Yes, both groups in the study will receive guidance and coaching on healthy eating as part of the overall plan.

What kind of cancers are included?

This study is for people with cancer of the food pipe (oesophagus), stomach, duodenum, or large bowel (colon and rectum).

Can I still take part if I'm having cancer treatment?

Yes, you might be able to participate if you're having treatment before or after surgery, or have completed surgery without further treatment.

How to find out more

Helen Schörghofer

helen.schoerghofer@uk-koeln.de +49221478 Official trial record

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