An interventional study of WB-EMS (Sham-intervention) and WB-EMS in Cancer, Cancer Cachexia and Inflammation, sponsored by University of Erlangen-Nürnberg Medical School. Recruiting at 1 site in Germany. Open to participants aged 18 Years and older. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-01-20.
Sponsored by University of Erlangen-Nürnberg Medical School · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment
The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of a 12-week flexi band resistance training program compared to different whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) exercise programs on muscle strength, body composition (in particular muscle mass), cardiorespiratory fitness, inflammation, and patient-reported subjective outcomes (e.g. quality of life, fatigue, performance status) in patients with malignant disease undergoing curative or palliative anti-cancer treatment.
Exclusion Criteria:
Low-theshold WB-EMS combined with nutritional therapy
Other: WB-EMS (Sham-intervention)
WB-EMS combined with nutritional therapy
Other: WB-EMS
WB-EMS using a mobile System combined with nutritional therapy
Other: Free WB-EMS
Flexi band resistance Training combined with nutritional therapy
Other: Flexi band resistance training
Whole-Body Electromyostimulation (WB-EMS): WB-EMS with low-threshold stimulation during a study period of 12 weeks combined with standard nutritional therapy (individualized, protein-rich nutritional therapy and counseling; targeted Protein intake/day: 1.2 - 1.5 g per kg bodyweight) * patients perform simple exercises during the stimulation period following a video tutorial * time-effort per session: \~20 min * 2 training sessions per week
Whole-Body Electromyostimulation (WB-EMS): WB-EMS during study period of 12 weeks combined with standard nutritional therapy (individualized, protein-rich nutritional therapy and counseling; targeted Protein intake/day: 1.2 - 1.5 g per kg bodyweight) * WB-EMS stimulation protocol: Frequency of 85 Hz, pulse duration of 0.35 ms, stimulation period of 6 sec, resting period of 4 sec; * patients perform simple exercises during the stimulation period following a video tutorial * time-effort per session: \~20 min * 2 training sessions per week
Whole-Body Electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) using a mobile system: WB-EMS during study period of 12 weeks combined with standard nutritional therapy (individualized, protein-rich nutritional therapy and counseling; targeted Protein intake/day: 1.2 - 1.5 g per kg bodyweight) * WB-EMS stimulation protocol: Frequency of 85 Hz, pulse duration of 0.35 ms, stimulation period of 6 sec, resting period of 4 sec; * patients perform simple exercises during the stimulation period following a video tutorial * time-effort per session: \~20 min * 2 training sessions per week
Flexi band resistance Training: Training during study period of 12 weeks combined with standard nutritional therapy (individualized, protein-rich nutritional therapy and counseling; targeted Protein intake/day: 1.2 - 1.5 g per kg bodyweight) * patients perform resistance exercises using flexi bands * flexi band exercises are conceptualized to activate similar muscle groups as EMS exercise * time-effort per session: \~20 min * 2 training sessions per week
Muscle strength
Muscle strength of the five major muscle groups (chest, upper back, lower back, abdominals, legs) will be assessed by using specific strength-training devices and estimated using the one Repetition Maximum (1-RM, the maximum amount of weight \[kg\] that can be lifted for one repetition)
Time frame: 12 weeks
Muscle Mass
Muscle mass (kg) will be measured by Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA)
Time frame: 12 weeks
Fat Mass
Fat mass (kg) will be measured by Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA)
Time frame: 12 weeks
Total Body Water
Total body water (L) will be measured by Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA)
Time frame: 12 weeks
Cardiorespiratory Fitness (CRF)
CRF will be assessed by measuring Maximum Oxygen uptake (VO2max)
Time frame: 12 weeks
Inflammation status
Inflammation will be assessed by measuring blood levels (mg/L) of c-reactive protein (CRP) and high-sensitivity c-reactive protein (hs-CRP).
Time frame: 12 weeks
Patient-reported performance status-1
Patient-reported performance Status will be assessed using the ECOG Performance Status questionnaire. It describes a patient's level of functioning in terms of their ability to care for themself, daily activity, and physical ability. The score ranges from 0-5 (lower values = better outcome).
Time frame: 12 weeks
Patient-reported performance status-2
Patient-reported performance status-2 will be assessed using the Karnofsky index. It is used methods to assess the functional status of a Patient. The score ranges from 0-100 (higher value = better outcome).
Time frame: 12 weeks
Patient-reported Quality of Life (QoL)
Patient-reported QoL will be assessed using the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire. It contains 30 questions (items), representing various aspects/dimensions of QoL (physical, role, emotional, cognitive and social), and 3 symptom scales (fatigue, pain and nausea).The scales of the different dimensions of QoL (higher values = better outcome) and symptoms (lower values = better outcomes) range from 0-100.
Time frame: 12 weeks
Patient-reported Fatigue
Fatigue will be assessed using the FACIT-Fatigue scale. It contains 13 items (different aspects/dimensions of fatigue) each assessed on a scale of 0-4, with lower values indicating a better outcome).
Time frame: 12 weeks
Patient-reported Physical Activity
Patient-reported Physical Activity (PA) will be assessed using the the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). IPAQ records 4 aspects of PA (job-, transportation-, housework-, and leisure-time-related). There are two forms of output from scoring the IPAQ. Results can be reported in categories (low, moderate or high PA levels) or as a continuous variable (MET minutes a week, 1 MET = resting energy expenditure). MET minutes represent the amount of energy expended carrying out physical activity. High PA = at least 1500 MET minutes/week; moderate PA: at least 600 MET minutes/week; low PA: \< 600 MET minutes/week. Higher values represent a better outcome.
Time frame: 12 weeks
Objective Physical Activity
Obejective measurement of physical activity will be preformed using Pedometers. Higher values represent a better outcome.
Time frame: 12 weeks
Cardiometabolic Risk Profile (Metabolic Syndrome Z-Score, MetS)
MetS will be calculated MetS-Z-Score will be calculated from each individual's measures of waist circumference (cm), mean arterial blood pressure (mmHg), blood levels of glucose (mg/dL), triglycerides (mg/dL), and HDL-cholesterol (mg/dL), based on equations specific to sex.
Time frame: 12 weeks
Plan to share: No
Eligibility is decided by the study team. Share this record with your doctor or contact the team directly.
Contact study teamGet an email when the registry record changes — status, dates, results — or when someone posts here.
Sign in to followQuestions and observations about this study, from anyone following it. Not medical advice, and not a channel to the study team — their contact details are on the registry record.
Sign in to join the discussion. Reading takes no account; posting does. You choose a display name, and a pseudonym is the default.
Nothing here yet. If you are running this trial, taking part in it, or weighing whether to, this is the place to say so.
University of Erlangen-Nürnberg Medical School