Influence of Reduced Daily Step Count and Anabolic Interventions on Muscle Protein Metabolism in … (NCT02347137) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Influence of Reduced Daily Step Count and Anabolic Interventions on Muscle Protein Metabolism in Older Persons
Canada30 participantsStarted 2012-07
Plain-language summary
As the loss of muscle mass with aging is associated with a dysregulation of muscle protein synthesis (MPS) that is generally characterized by an 'anabolic resistance' to nutrients, the primary outcome of the trial is to investigate the effect of a mixed macronutrient beverage on post-prandial myofibrillar MPS. However, the 'anabolic resistance' of aging may be predominantly influenced by the contractile activity of skeletal muscle; for example, the investigators have demonstrated that 2 weeks of reduced habitual activity (i.e. daily step count) induces anabolic resistance in otherwise healthy older adults. In contrast, resistance exercise is well-known to enhance muscle mass and can increase the sensitivity of skeletal muscle to dietary amino acids. Therefore, all participants will undergo a 2-week reduced step count intervention combined with a unilateral leg resistance exercise protocol to induce an 'unhealthy' or 'anabolically resistant' leg and a relatively 'healthy' or 'anabolically sensitive' leg, respectively; this within subject model will be utilized to investigate the effect of the mixed macronutrient beverage in both relatively 'healthy' and 'unhealthy' older muscle. The investigators will also measure changes in muscle mass, muscle function, and cardiovascular health of both legs before and after the 2-week intervention to determine the effect of reduced activity and the protective effect of minimal, low-intensity exercise on these outcomes.
Who can participate
Age range
65 Years – 80 Years
Sex
MALE
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Non-smoker
Exclusion Criteria:
* Health problems such as: heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, poor lung function, uncontrolled hypertension, or any health conditions that might put the participant at risk for this study
* Failed clearance for exercise participation by the participants family physician/medical doctor
* Failed an exercise strength test.
* Regular consumption of any analgesic or anti-inflammatory drug(s), prescription or non-prescription, chronically will be excluded.
* Taking any medications known to affect protein metabolism (i.e. corticosteroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, or prescription strength acne medications).
* Factors that may exclude a participant from an MRI scan (i.e. various implants, metal in the eyes etc)
* Participants who complete fewer than 5000 steps per day (as assessed by pedometer prior to the study).
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Myofibrillar fractional synthetic rate will be measured using 13C6 ring phenylalanine