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Observational Study on Intermuscular Coherence as a Biomarker for ALS

This study is looking for a new, easier way to diagnose Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) earlier and more accurately. Researchers are investigating a measurement called intermuscular coherence (IMC-βγ), which checks the connection between muscle activities using painless surface electrodes. They want to see if adding IMC-βγ to current diagnostic methods (Awaji criteria) can better tell ALS apart from other conditions. The study also aims to understand how IMC-βγ changes as ALS progresses and if these changes relate to how the disease affects daily life or survival. You might be able to join if you are between 20 and 90 years old and have symptoms like arm or leg weakness, muscle twitching, or difficulty swallowing or speaking. The goal is to see if IMC-βγ can become an important, objective marker for ALS.

Study design
This is an observational study planning to enroll 650 participants. It is not testing a specific drug or intervention.
What's involved
Not specified in the trial record.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Participants will be followed for changes in intermuscular coherence over 5 years.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT05104710

Intermuscular Coherence as a Biomarker for ALS

Recruiting
Not specifiedAges 20–90Observational
University of Chicago
~650 participants
Updated 2026-02-09 on ClinicalTrials.gov

At a glance

Recruiting sites
3 of 4 listed sites are recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Change in the sensitivity for diagnosing ALS when a measure of intermuscular coherence is added to the Awaji criteria.
Measured over 5 years

Conditions

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

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Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

NCT05104710

Where you'd take part

This study runs at 4 sites. They're the same protocol — you choose where, and that choice sets who your contact draft is addressed to.

  • Massachusetts General Hospital

    Boston, Massachusettsstudy coordinator listed

    Recruiting

  • University of Miami Miller School of Medicine

    Miami, Floridastudy coordinator listed

    Recruiting

  • Washington University Medical Center

    St Louis, Missouristudy coordinator listed

    Recruiting

  • University of California Center for Clinical Research

    Irvine, Californiano site contact published

    Active, not recruiting

Sites open and close at different times, so the status above is per site — it can differ from the study's overall status.

Study leadership

  • Kourosh Rezania, MD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · University of Chicago

Who to contact

Serdar Aydin, MD
[email protected]
(773)795-9908
Email the study team

Opens a ready-to-send draft in your own email app — review before sending.

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

AIM 1: Patients with arm or leg weakness, spastic gait, muscle wasting and/or fasciculations (muscle twitching), dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), dysarthria (difficulty speaking), shortness of breath, hyperreflexia or pathological reflexes, or findings of muscle denervation in previous needle electromyography (EMG) studies.
AIM 2: Subjects between 20 and 90 years of age.
AIM 3: Subjects will be selected from among Aim 1 patients who carry an Awaji (without IMC) category of Possible, Probable, or Definite ALS.

Exclusion

AIM 1:
AIM 2:
AIM 3:

What this trial measures

  • Change in the sensitivity for diagnosing ALS when a measure of intermuscular coherence is added to the Awaji criteria.5 years

    Aim 1 asks if incorporation of IMC-βγ into the Awaji criteria improves the criteria's sensitivity for diagnosing ALS.