Finding Better Ways to Diagnose Motor Neuron Disease Early

Plain-English translation of NCT05663008 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated December 2022 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

What is this trial?

Researchers are looking for better biological markers—measurable signs in the body—that can help diagnose motor neuron diseases like ALS earlier and more accurately. The study will use non-invasive electrical recordings of muscle and brain activity to understand how the communication between nerves and muscles breaks down in these diseases. By finding these markers, doctors hope to personalize care and start treatment sooner for individual patients.

Motor neuron diseases like ALS are devastating and progress quickly, but diagnosis is often delayed and treatment isn't tailored to each person. Current diagnostic methods aren't reliable enough to catch the disease early or distinguish between different types. This trial aims to discover better, affordable ways to detect these diseases at their earliest stages so patients can receive personalized care and treatment faster.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are aged and gender-matched to one of the patient groups (if you are a healthy volunteer)
you have a diagnosis of ALS, postpoliomyelitis syndrome, or spinal muscular atrophy (if you are a patient)
you are able to give informed consent to participate
you have the physical ability to participate in the recording sessions

You likely don't qualify if…

you have a history of neurological, neuromuscular, or active psychiatric disease (if you are a healthy volunteer)
you currently have active psychiatric disease
you have a severe medical condition that affects your nerves, such as poorly controlled diabetes
you have a known allergy or bad reaction to recording equipment, gels, or the recording environment

What participation looks like

Participants will come to the research center to have special electrical recordings taken of their muscles and brain activity. These are non-invasive tests—the researchers will place small electrodes on your skin to measure electrical signals. The study is recruiting 400 people total: healthy volunteers as comparison subjects, and patients with different motor neuron diseases. Your participation will help researchers understand disease patterns and develop better diagnostic tools for the future.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 7, 2026 · Not medical advice

Finding Better Ways to Diagnose Motor Neuron Disease Early

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(1 site)