Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable

Reference Equations and Normative Data for Isometric Quadriceps and Handgrip Muscles STrength in Southern European Populations - RESTart: a Multicentre Study

Spain2,815 participantsStarted 2026-06

Plain-language summary

This observational study aims to learn about peripheral muscle strength in healthy adults and people with chronic respiratory diseases. The study aims to develop reference data for quadriceps muscle strength and handgrip in adults living in Southern Europe and to assess whether these reference data can be used in people with chronic respiratory diseases. The main questions it aims to answer are: * What are the normal values for quadriceps and handgrip muscle strength in healthy adults aged 18-89 years living in Spain, Portugal and Italy? * Can the reference values developed in healthy adults be applied to people with chronic respiratory diseases? Participants will attend one study visit. During this visit, researchers will: * Measure quadriceps muscle strength and handgrip. * Collect information about age, sex, height, weight and other health characteristics. * Perform simple functional tests related to mobility and physical performance. * Ask participants to complete questionnaires about symptoms, physical activity and health-related quality of life.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 89 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Healthy adults cohort Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 18-89 years. * Spanish, Portuguese or Italian, or permanently resident in one of those countries for at least five years. * Be community-dwelling (i.e., not hospitalised or institutionalised). * Be functionally independent and capable of performing study assessments without assistance or limiting pain. * Be able to follow verbal instructions in the local language (Spanish, Portuguese or Italian, as appropriate). * Provide written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Acute or chronic musculoskeletal conditions affecting strength: recent fractures, severe osteoarthrosis, ligament injury, acute tendinitis in hands/knee areas, among others. * Recent surgery (e.g., within the past six months) in upper or lower limbs. * Neuromuscular disorders: Parkinson, multiple sclerosis, stroke, peripheral neuropathies, among others. * Non-communicable diseases affecting strength or functional status: active cancer, any unstable heart diseases; any CRD; active rheumatological diseases, obesity (BMI≥30kg/m2), uncontrolled metabolic diseases, among others (not included: controlled dyslipidaemia or arterial hypertension). * Cognitive impairments (e.g., dementia) or psychiatric disorders impairing following instructions. * Aid devices for walking or compromised functional mobility. * Moderate-to-severe pain during the assessment (VAS ≥4). * Systemic corticosteroids use for over one week in the previous six months (i.e., risk of muscle a…

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.

1This study seems to focus on measuring muscle strength in healthy people and those with chronic respiratory diseases — could you help me understand whether my specific respiratory condition would be relevant to what this study is trying to measure?
2Since this trial is listed as 'not yet recruiting,' do you know when it might open for participation, and would it make sense for me to keep it on our radar while I continue my current treatment plan?
3The study is measuring quadriceps and handgrip strength — can you explain why these specific muscle measurements matter for people with chronic respiratory diseases, and what we might learn from my own results if I were to take part?
4This appears to be a study building reference data rather than testing a treatment — does that mean there's no experimental intervention involved, and if so, what would actually be expected of me if I participated?
5Given that this is a normative data study and not a therapy trial, do you think there are other active treatment-focused studies I should also be looking into alongside this one for managing my respiratory condition?

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

Isometric quadriceps muscle strength

Timeframe: Day 1

Handgrip

Timeframe: Day 1

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07628530

SponsorUniversity of Alcala

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2029-06

Contact for this trial

Nicola S. Diciolla, PT, Ph.D.

+34 918 85 48 28 nicola.diciolla@uah.es

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Muscle Strength trials