Force Enhancement in Neuromuscular Disease
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A pilot project to assess the acceptability, feasibility and utility of force enhancement as a non-invasive measure of titin function in neuromuscular disease
IRAS ID
364201
Contact name
Karen Suetterlin
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Newcastle University
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
This research project is testing a new, non-invasive way of assessing how a muscle protein called titin works in people with neuromuscular conditions. Titin is important for muscle strength, and changes in the titin gene can cause weakness, but because titin is so complex it can be difficult to know if a genetic change is truly harmful. The study will explore whether measuring “force enhancement”; the extra force muscles produce after being stretched – could provide a clearer test of titin function. The study will take place in Newcastle and will involve one visit lasting about 60 minutes. We will invite 24 adults with different neuromuscular conditions that cause muscle weakness, alongside at least 6 healthy adults of similar age and sex. During the visit, participants will have an ultrasound of their muscles, perform simple strength tests, undergo a small nerve test of the hand, and have the strength of a thumb muscle measured while performing movements using a safe, custom-built device. Some of these tests will use mild electrical stimulation to the muscle. We will also ask participants about any discomfort and whether they would be willing to repeat the test in future. The findings will help us understand whether force enhancement can be used as a reliable marker of titin function. If successful, this could support faster and more accurate diagnosis of neuromuscular conditions, improve interpretation of genetic results, and provide the basis for future clinical trials of new treatments.
REC name
London - Bromley Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/PR/1591
Date of REC Opinion
15 Jan 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion