Clinical Trial: Muscle Ultrasound Measures as Biomarkers of Upper Motor Neuron Function
Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Completed
Study Type: Observational
Official Title: A Pilot Study of Muscle Ultrasound Measures as Biomarkers of Upper Motor Neuron Function
Brief Summary:
Background:
- Primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) is a rare disease. It leads to weakness in the muscle of the arms, legs, and face. People with PLS develop muscle stiffness called spasticity. Researchers want to find a better way to measure this. They want to see if ultrasound, which uses sound waves to look at parts of the body, can measure spasticity and stiffness in muscles.
Objective:
- To see if ultrasound can detect and measure muscle spasticity in people with PLS.
Eligibility:
- People ages 18 75 who have a diagnosis of PLS and are enrolled in protocol 01-N-0145.
- Healthy volunteers ages 18 75.
Design:
- Participants with PLS will have 1 study visit. Healthy participants will have upto 5 visits. Each visit will be about 2 hours.
- Participants will have tests of muscle strength. They will be examined. They will push their arms and legs against researchers in different positions.
- Participants will have tests of muscle stiffness. Their arms and legs will be moved while they relax.
- Participants will have a muscle ultrasound test. They will lie on a table. Gel will be placed on the skin over the muscles of the arms and legs. A probe, like a microphone, will be moved over the skin. Researchers will look at several muscles.
- Participants should try to stay still during the ultrasound. It may be done several times and may be done by different exam
