Exercise and Bracing for Muscle Atrophy
(HYPAT Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to understand how muscles respond to different treatments. One leg will undergo unilateral resistance exercise training to build muscle, while a knee brace will keep the other leg still to observe muscle shrinkage. Researchers will study how these changes affect muscle proteins. The trial seeks healthy men who exercise no more than twice a week and have no history of muscle or bone diseases. As an unphased trial, participants can contribute to foundational research that may lead to new insights in muscle health.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
If you are taking medications that affect protein metabolism, like glucocorticoids or certain anti-inflammatory drugs, you will need to stop them to participate in this trial.
What prior data suggests that this protocol is safe?
Research has shown that resistance exercise is generally safe and well-tolerated. Studies have found that individuals aged 60-78 can increase muscle mass and strength without major safety concerns after a few weeks of training. Muscle mass changes ranged from a 5% decrease to a 9% increase, while strength improvements ranged from 9% to 57%. This suggests that resistance exercise is safe, though results can vary among individuals.
For knee bracing, the evidence is mixed. Some studies indicate that prolonged use of knee braces might lead to muscle weakness and reduced function. However, other research suggests that certain types of braces can help maintain muscle activity. Therefore, while knee braces are safe for short-term use, long-term use might cause unwanted effects like muscle loss.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the trial involving unilateral resistance exercise and unilateral immobilization because it explores non-invasive methods to address muscle atrophy. Unlike standard treatments that might focus on medication or whole-body exercise, this trial uniquely examines the effects of targeted, single-leg exercises and immobilization. This could help pinpoint specific strategies to preserve muscle in inactive limbs, potentially leading to more efficient rehabilitation techniques. By combining resistance training with strategic immobilization, researchers hope to better understand how to maintain muscle mass and function during periods of limited mobility.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for muscle atrophy?
This trial will compare the effects of Unilateral Resistance Exercise Training with Unilateral Immobilization using a knee brace. Research has shown that resistance exercise, such as weightlifting, prevents muscle loss and builds strength. One study found that participants who engaged in resistance training increased their leg press strength by up to 26.7% and their leg extension strength by 33.3%. Another study reported that after 10 weeks of this exercise, leg strength improved by about 19% for some exercises. In contrast, immobilizing a leg, as with a knee brace, often leads to muscle weakening and shrinkage. Studies have found that not using a muscle can reduce its strength by about 17% in just one week. These findings suggest that resistance exercise effectively combats muscle loss from inactivity.14678
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
Healthy males aged 18-30 with a BMI of 18.5 to 30 can join this study. They must be able to consent and not have muscle or bone diseases, serious illnesses, uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes, or take meds affecting protein metabolism. Non-smokers who don't drink excessively or exercise more than twice a week are eligible.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Unilateral Resistance Exercise
One leg will undergo 4 sessions of unilateral resistance exercise, over the course of 8 days, including leg press and leg extension.
Unilateral Immobilization
One leg will undergo 14 days of single-leg immobilization using a removable knee brace.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, including assessments of muscle protein synthesis, lean mass, muscle strength, and muscle cross-sectional area.
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Knee bracing
- Unilateral Resistance Exercise Training
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
McMaster University
Lead Sponsor