Electrical Stimulation for Sarcopenia
(microG Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to study how muscle changes in a low-gravity environment, like space, can enhance understanding of muscle loss, especially in older adults. Researchers will send muscle samples from participants to the International Space Station to observe their reactions without gravity, simulating rapid aging. The trial involves two groups: young adults and older adults, each providing muscle samples for research. Individuals who have maintained a steady weight and do not have diabetes or certain other health issues might be suitable candidates.
As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research on muscle health in space.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you are taking prescription strength anti-inflammatory medication, you must not have taken it in the 6 weeks prior to screening.
What prior data suggests that this electrical stimulation method is safe for muscle cells?
Research has shown that electrical stimulation is generally safe for people. Previous studies found that it can safely improve muscle strength and function. Common side effects are mild and may include slight skin irritation where the electrodes are placed.
In this study, a muscle biopsy involves taking a small piece of muscle tissue. This routine medical procedure is considered safe, though it might cause temporary soreness or bruising at the sample site.
The study includes both young and older adults to observe how their muscles respond to electrical stimulation. Past research with similar groups has not reported any major safety issues. Overall, the evidence suggests that the treatment is safe for participants.
Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about this trial because it's exploring a novel way to combat sarcopenia, a condition characterized by muscle loss often seen in older adults. Traditional treatments for sarcopenia typically involve exercise, nutritional supplements, and sometimes medications that promote muscle growth. However, this approach is different because it involves developing a millifluidic chip designed to electrically stimulate muscle cells. This technology could potentially enhance muscle regeneration and strength by directly activating muscle tissues in a controlled manner, which is a fresh angle compared to existing methods. If successful, it may offer a more efficient and targeted way to reverse muscle loss and improve quality of life for those affected.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for sarcopenia?
Research has shown that electrical stimulation can improve muscle strength and function. Other studies have found it can also increase muscle size and power in individuals with conditions like sarcopenia that cause muscle loss. This trial will collect muscle biopsy specimens from both young and older adults to develop a millifluidic chip for electrical stimulation of human primary muscle cell hydrogel cultures. This treatment sends small electrical signals to muscles, causing them to contract and strengthen over time. Early findings suggest that even without movement, this stimulation can help maintain muscle mass and slow muscle loss. Although research continues, these early results offer hope that electrical stimulation might effectively combat muscle loss in older adults.
Who Is on the Research Team?
Paul Coen, PhD
Principal Investigator
Study Principal Investigator
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for healthy adults aged 20-40 or 60-80 with a BMI under 30, able to consent and follow the study protocol. Excluded are those actively changing their lifestyle for weight loss, with severe uncontrolled symptoms like diarrhea, high/low blood pressure, recent surgery or hospitalization, infectious diseases (e.g., HIV), pregnant/lactating women postpartum within 6 weeks, tobacco users in the last three months, diabetics or those with clotting disorders.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Muscle Biopsy and Testing
Muscle biopsy specimens are obtained from participants and various tests such as DEXA scan, muscle testing, Handgrip test, and VO2 max test are conducted.
Microgravity Experimentation
Muscle cells obtained from biopsies are sent to the International Space Station for study in a microgravity environment.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for any post-biopsy effects and overall health status.
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Maximal Oxygen Consumption (V02max)
- Muscle Tissue Biopsy
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Translational Research Institute for Metabolism and Diabetes, Florida
Lead Sponsor
AdventHealth Translational Research Institute
Lead Sponsor