Clinical Research Directory

EMS Combined With Resistance Training in Weight Lifters

The purpose of this randomized controlled trial is to determine the effects of Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) combined with resistance training on muscle mass, muscular strength, body composition, and power in trained weightlifters. Participants will be randomly allocated into two groups: one receiving resistance training alone and the other receiving EMS combined with resistance training. The intervention will be conducted for eight weeks, and outcome measures will be assessed at baseline, mid-intervention (4 weeks), and post-intervention (8 weeks). The findings of this study may provide evidence regarding the additional benefits of EMS when combined with conventional resistance training programs in enhancing muscular performance among trained athletes.

Strength Training Response of Muscle in GLP-1 Users

GLP-1 medication is being prescribed for weight loss. However, GLP-1 medication may adversely affect muscle mass and muscle function. Moreover, any loss of muscle mass or muscle function with GLP-1 treatment may impair balance and increase fall risk. This is a particular concern among older adults already susceptible to the common muscle strength and muscle function loss with age, yet there is little evidence among this population. This study will address a gap in knowledge regarding the effects of GLP-1 treatment on muscle mass, muscle function, and balance/fall risk among adults age 50 and older.

The Effects of MediDrink Platinum+ and Fava Bean Protein Hydrolysate on Fitness in an Aged Population

Examining the effects of MediDrink Platinum+ containing novel protein blend SRP-01 alone or when combined with PeptiStrong on clinical responses in elderly adults with sarcopenia

Protein Supplementation During Dialysis (PROSED)

When a patient has dialysis some nutrients are lost in the process. Nutritional losses include protein, trace elements (i.e. zinc, copper and selenium) and water-soluble vitamins (Vitamins C and B). These nutrients are essential for normal body function, including a good immune system and nutritional status. For example, on average the protein losses during a dialysis session (the process where the blood is cleaned via a machine and special fluid) is equal to 6g of protein/day (which is the equivalent of the amount of protein in 1 egg). Protein needs for the general population are 0.8g protein per kg of body weight. Because people on dialysis lose protein via the dialysis, it is thought that these people need to eat more protein. Currently, in clinical practice for people receiving dialysis, the guidelines are to aim for 1.1 -1.4g of protein per kg of body weight. However, the research is old and very weak. Dialysis treatments have changed over the past 40 years, and the investigator does not know if the replacement of these nutritional losses is important to how well people do on dialysis and if they have any effect on survival. Previous research is mostly limited to haemodialysis (a type of dialysis that requires a machine which cleans the patients' blood via special filters) and peritoneal dialysis (this is a type of dialysis which happens via the patients' tummy). There is no research on the nutritional supplementation in home HD and nocturnal HD. Our research will investigate if a higher protein provision leads to a reduction is hospital admissions and improved outcomes in patients receiving dialysis.

A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Whole Body Vibration Therapy With Usual Care and Usual Care to Improve Muscle Health in Older Adults

This study is a randomized controlled trial where participants would be randomly assigned to one of 2 groups. One group would receive Whole body vibration therapy and usual care and the other group only usual care. Measurements of muscle mass, strength and function would be taken before the interventions, and at 2 other points after interventions. Differences in the outcomes between the two groups would be analysed.

Evaluation of the Relationship Between Muscle Mass Measured by Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis and the Risk of Hemorrhagic Events Under Direct Oral Anticoagulants in the Elderly

This study aims to assess whether reduced muscle mass is associated with an increased risk of bleeding in the elderly receiving direct oral anticoagulant therapy. The researchers will compare the muscle mass of patients who experienced a hemorrhage (case) with that of patients who did not (control). Muscle mass is a key criterion in the assessment of sarcopenia and malnutrition, two conditions frequently associated with aging. Sarcopenia is characterized by a significant loss of muscle mass and strength, while malnutrition is an alteration of nutritional status, often accompanied by sarcopenia, weight loss or a low body mass index (BMI). So at the same time, we want to compare sarcopenia and malnutrition between the two groups (case and control). Cases and controls will benefit from a consultation during which measurements will be taken: weight, height, BMI, calf circumference, impedancemetry, etc. A blood test will be taken to measure anti-Xa activity (drug activity) and any missing analyses.

The Effect of the Nutraceutical (-)- Epicatechin on Myosteatosis in Patients With Advanced CKD

Some foods have components that can prevent and treat some diseases and provide beneficial effects for health. These components naturally occurring in foods are called nutraceuticals. Recently, it was found that Epicatechin, which is a kind of nutraceutical from the Catechin's family naturally occurring in green tea and cocoa, has positive effects on muscle mass and strength of people with chronic diseases. People with chronic kidney disease often present muscle loss and lack of strength that are not easily treated with regular diet and physical activity. We here propose a study where 10 individuals with chronic kidney disease will receive a dose of Epicatechin for 8 weeks and we aim to test if Epicatechin improves general muscle health. Based on what is known, we expect to see an increase in muscle mass and strength. The dose of Epicatechin provided (100 mg/day) is safe, since it is much lower than the dose usually available in supplements. In addition, this is the form naturally present in green tea and cocoa and in similar amounts. Subjects participating in the study will be evaluated for muscle mass and strength three times during the study. Muscle mass and muscle quality will be evaluated by ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging. The participants will also perform some tests like walking in a corridor and seating and standing from a chair to measure their strength and performance. Adverse side effects will be monitored via telephone, and safety will be assessed by monthly blood tests that will evaluate liver and kidney function. If this study shows that Epicatechin can promote muscle growth and strength, it will positively affect patients with chronic kidney disease that might benefit of a natural substance from food to improve muscle health.

An Innovative Care Model Integrating Mobile Health Support to Promote Weight Management in Adults With Overweight or Obesity

The objective of this clinical trial is to evaluate whether an innovative care model integrating mobile health (mHealth) support improves weight management in adults with overweight or obesity. The primary research questions are: (1) Does the intervention promote weight change at the 6-month follow-up? (2) Does the intervention enhance physical activity and encourage a healthy diet at the 3- and 6-month follow-ups? To address these questions, researchers will compare the intervention group with a control group to measure changes in weight, physical activity, and dietary habits. At baseline, all participants will complete a survey assessing demographics, body weight, height, central obesity, lifestyle, weight loss history, and expectations. The intervention group will receive a weight management program based on Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA), incorporating risk-stratified health services, with follow- ups at 3 and 6 months. The control group will receive minimal intervention in the form of general health advice, with follow-ups at the same intervals.

Calf Circumference Adjusted for Body Composition to Assess Muscle Mass

Muscle mass is a critical indicator for malnutrition and sarcopenia assessment. Anthropometric measurements like calf circumference (CC) could be a simple and cost-effective alternative when gold standard methods are not available. However, CC is probably less accurate for estimating muscle mass in female patients and patients with obesity. This study investigates whether adjusting CC using mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) improves muscle mass estimation in patients with obesity. If validated, this correction method would serve as a simple clinical tool for muscle mass assessment.

Multicomponent vs Pilates on Mass, Strength, and Physical Performance in Older Adults

Introduction: The aging process can result in several physiological changes, such as the loss of muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical performance, collectively defined as sarcopenia. Sarcopenia is considered one of the primary health challenges among older adults. To prevent this condition and improve related health outcomes, regular physical exercise is the most recommended strategy, with multicomponent exercises being particularly effective for older individuals. Pilates is another potential form of physical exercise that has gained popularity among older adults seeking to improve muscle mass, strength, and physical performance. However, significant gaps remain in the literature, with a notable lack of studies evaluating the efficacy of Pilates in improving sarcopenic outcomes. Objective: To compare the efficacy of multicomponent training programs versus Pilates in improving muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical performance in older adults. Methods: A total of 100 older adults aged 60 to 80 years, of both sexes, will be randomized into two intervention groups: the Multicomponent Training Group (n=50) and the Pilates Group (n=50). Evaluations will be conducted at three time points: baseline (before the intervention), mid-treatment (3 months), and post-treatment (6 months). The following instruments will be used: Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) will be used to assess muscle mass. Muscle strength will be evaluated using an isokinetic dynamometer for the lower limbs and a handgrip dynamometer for the upper limbs. Physical performance will be assessed through the Brazilian version of the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), the gait speed test, and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. The Feeling Scale will be applied to determine the affective valence of the exercise programs. The Shapiro-Wilk test will be performed to check the normality of the data, Student's t-test or Mann-Whitney U test will be used depending on whether the distribution is parametric or non-parametric, and ANCOVA will be used to compare the groups post-intervention, considering a 95% confidence interval (p\<0.05). The data will be analyzed using SPSS 25.0 software.