Gentle Skin Abrasion and EMG-Based Neuromuscular Blockade Monitoring

NCT07759206 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: ANES-2023-32150
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 55
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study will evaluate whether gentle skin abrasion improves electromyographic signal quality during neuromuscular blockade monitoring in adult surgical patients. Participants will receive standard TwitchView electromyographic neuromuscular blockade monitoring on one wrist and TwitchView monitoring after gentle skin abrasion on the opposite wrist. The study will compare electromyographic response amplitudes and supramaximal stimulus currents between routine electrode application and electrode application after skin preparation. The study procedures will occur during scheduled surgery and will not alter the anesthetic or surgical management of participants.

Conditions

Neuromuscular Blockade; Intraoperative Monitoring; Skin Preparation; Electromyography

Keywords

Gentle skin abrasion; Skin preparation; EMG monitoring; 3M Red Dot Trace Prep

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• EMG Response Amplitude Before Neuromuscular Blocking Drug Administration

  Amplitude of recorded EMG responses to train-of-four stimulation will be compared between routine electrode application and electrodes placed after gentle skin abrasion.

  During surgery, before paralytic drug administration

Secondary Outcomes (2)

• Supramaximal Stimulus Current

  During device startup after anesthesia induction

• EMG Response Amplitude After Neuromuscular Blocking Drug Administration

  During surgery, after paralytic drug administration

Study Arms (1)

Gentle Skin Abrasion and Standard Electrode Application

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants will receive standard TwitchView EMG-based neuromuscular blockade monitoring with routine electrode application on one wrist and EMG-based monitoring after gentle skin abrasion on the opposite wrist. EMG signal amplitudes and supramaximal stimulus currents will be compared between the routine and skin-prepped electrode sites within each participant.

Procedure: Gentle Skin Abrasion Before EMG-Based Neuromuscular Blockade Monitoring

Interventions

Gentle Skin Abrasion Before EMG-Based Neuromuscular Blockade Monitoring PROCEDURE

Gentle skin abrasion will be performed at the stimulus and recording electrode sites on one wrist using 3M Red Dot Trace Prep abrasive strips before applying standard TwitchView electrodes. The opposite wrist will receive routine electrode application without skin preparation. Two TwitchView monitors will be used to compare EMG signal amplitudes and supramaximal stimulus currents.

Also known as: Skin Preparation With 3M Red Dot Trace Prep

Gentle Skin Abrasion and Standard Electrode Application

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Adult surgical patient aged 18 years or older
• Classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status I, II, or III
• Scheduled to undergo an elective procedure in which use of a neuromuscular blocking drug is anticipated
• Neuromuscular blockade monitoring would be standard care for the planned procedure
• Procedure allows access to both wrists
• Capable of signing informed consent

You may not qualify if:

• Emergency procedure
• Procedure in which neuromuscular blocking drugs are not anticipated
• Access to at least one wrist and ankle is not possible
• Unable to provide informed consent
• Prior stroke
• Hemiparesis or hemiplegia
• Any other known neuromuscular disorder
• Employee or student of the researcher
• Pregnant women, fetuses, neonates, prisoners, children, or adults unable to consent

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Minnesota: lead

Study Sites (1)

University of Minnesota East Bank Medical Center

Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55414, United States

Location

Study Officials

• Michael M Todd, MD

  University of Minnesota

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: NA
• Masking: NONE
• Masking Details: This is an open-label study. Study staff and clinical providers are aware of which electrode site receives routine application and which site receives gentle skin abrasion.
• Purpose: DIAGNOSTIC
• Intervention Model: SINGLE GROUP
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Model Details: All participants will receive standard EMG-based neuromuscular blockade monitoring on one wrist and EMG-based neuromuscular blockade monitoring after gentle skin abrasion on the opposite wrist. EMG signal amplitudes and supramaximal stimulus currents will be compared within participants.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: August 6, 2026
• First Posted: August 12, 2026
• Study Start: October 3, 2023
• Primary Completion: February 28, 2024
• Study Completion: February 28, 2024
• Last Updated: August 12, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-08

Locations

US (1)