MUST-IPF
Research type
Research Study
Full title
MUscle STimulation in advanced Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: a randomised placebo-controlled feasibility trial (MUST-IPF)
IRAS ID
241055
Contact name
William D-C Man
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive lung disease of unknown origin. People with this disease often experience difficulties walking and performing physical activity. Several factors contribute to this including leg muscle weakness. Exercise can help improve leg muscle strength, but even simple forms of activity, e.g. walking, can be difficult because of breathlessness.
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is a portable hand-held muscle stimulator which allows the thigh muscles to be exercised whilst seated. Pads are attached to the thigh muscles and when the stimulator is switched on, the muscles contract and relax. ISeveral small research studies have shown that NMES in patients with another lung condition, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, improved leg muscle strength and walking ability. However, we do not know if NMES has the same effects in people with IPF or if it is acceptable to these patients.
The aims of this study are to 1) investigate whether NMES is acceptable to patients with IPF and healthcare/research staff and 2) identify if it can improve leg muscle strength and walking ability.
Patients with IPF who consent to participate in the study will be allocated by chance to use 'active’ or ‘sham/placebo’ NMES at home daily for 30 minutes for six weeks. They will also complete a home exercise programme and receive advice on how to manage breathlessness. We will assess walking ability, physical activity, thigh muscle strength and size, and quality of life before and after this six week programme and six weeks after patients have stopped using NMES. After this point, we will assess healthcare resource use during the study period and conduct interviews to ask participants, their carers, and healthcare/research professionals about their experiences of the study and using or delivering NMES.REC name
London - Harrow Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/LO/0209
Date of REC Opinion
30 Apr 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion