Improving muscle mass and function in critically ill children through protein and exercise.
Protein Optimization with Exercise to Improve Muscle Mass and Functional Outcomes (PROXIMUS)
This study is looking at how giving critically ill children, especially those on breathing machines, extra protein and personalized exercise can help them keep their strength and recover better while they're in the hospital.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10769842 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how combining high protein intake with individualized exercise can help critically ill children, particularly those on mechanical ventilation, maintain muscle mass and improve their functional outcomes. The study will involve a pilot trial at two centers, where participants will receive either the protein and exercise intervention or standard care during their acute illness. By focusing on early mobility and optimal nutrition, the research aims to reduce muscle loss and enhance recovery in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are critically ill children aged 0-21 years who are mechanically ventilated and experiencing immobilization.
Not a fit: Patients who are not critically ill or those who do not require mechanical ventilation may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved recovery and quality of life for children who have been critically ill.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that early mobility and nutritional interventions can be beneficial, but this specific approach combining protein and exercise in pediatric patients is novel.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston Children's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mehta, Nilesh M — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Mehta, Nilesh M
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.