The Effects of Whole Body Unloading on Physiological Function (NCT03195348) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
The Effects of Whole Body Unloading on Physiological Function
United Kingdom12 participantsStarted 2017-03-29
Plain-language summary
This study is a collaboration between the Centre of Human \& Aerospace Physiological Sciences (CHAPS) and the Sleep and Brain Plasticity Centre (Department of Neuroimaging) at King's College London and the Sleep Disorders Centre at Guy's Hospital.The main purpose of the study is to evaluate the effects of a 7 day unloading period (simulating micro gravity) on muscle mass using three independent methods; two scanning techniques (magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA)) and one that involves swallowing a capsule that contains a harmless chemical called creatine (D3-Creatine (D3-cr)) and then measuring its concentration in urine. In order to induce muscle loss, participants will be required to lie flat on their back on a water bed filled with water and salt (called hyper-buoyancy flotation (HBF)). As this situation is similar to that experienced in space, the investigators will also measure the effect of HBF on sleep, brain and physiological function - all things known to change in astronauts. Sixteen male subjects (18-40 yrs) will be recruited to participate in the study that will require physiological testing before, during and following both 7 days of normal conditions and 7 days of HBF bed-rest. Each subject will be exposed to the same conditions and assessments over the study period. As some loss of muscle is expected, participants will be offered an exercise rehabilitation programme upon completion of HBF with self-monitored and/or guided sessions based on those provided by the Space Medicine Office of the European Space Agency to returning astronauts.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 40 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:
* Males aged 18-40
* No clinically significant and relevant abnormalities in medical history
* Absence of any condition that could affect subject safety or well-being or their ability to understand and follow study procedures and requirements
* Absence of any condition which has/will result in irregular regulation of skeletal muscle, creatine metabolism or reduction of total skeletal muscle mass
* Absence of a medical history that includes back pain
Exclusion Criteria:
* Known or suspected intolerance or hypersensitivity to the study materials (or closely related compounds) or any of their stated ingredients
* Habitual use (\>twice a week) of creatine supplementation within 6 weeks of the study
* Previous history of smoking
* No known current or past neurological or psychiatric co-morbidities, no known sleep abnormalities (e.g. insomnia, snoring, sleep apnoea, sleep-walking/talking, nocturnal panic attacks, restless leg syndrome)
* Participation in another clinical study or receipt of an investigational drug within 30 days of the screening visit
* Relation of any study investigators, personnel at the study site or employee of any of the study sponsors
* Any kind of medication prior to 1 month of screening
* Recent history (within the last 1 year) of alcohol or other substance abuse
* A previous history of nosebleeds
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.