Effects of HMB supplementation on muscle recovery after knee surgery in female athletes

Influence of β-hydroxy β-methyl Butyrate (HMB)Supplementation on Post-operative Muscle Mass and Function in Female Athletes

Phase 2 Interventional University of Kansas Medical Center · NCT05869812

This study is testing if a supplement called caHMB can help female athletes recover better and keep their muscle strength after knee surgery.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 45 Years
SexFemale
SponsorUniversity of Kansas Medical Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Overland Park, Kansas)
Trial IDNCT05869812 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the impact of calcium-β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (caHMB) supplementation on muscle mass and function in female athletes recovering from anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either caHMB or a placebo while following standard postoperative rehabilitation protocols. The study aims to assess changes in quadriceps and hamstring muscle size and function, leveraging the collaboration with orthopedic specialists at the University of Kansas Health System. The goal is to determine if caHMB can enhance recovery and reduce muscle atrophy during rehabilitation.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are biological females aged 18 to 35 who are undergoing rehabilitation after ACL surgery.

Not a fit: Patients with recent nutritional supplement use or psychiatric conditions that may hinder recovery may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve recovery outcomes and muscle function in female athletes after knee surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that caHMB can improve muscle protein synthesis and reduce atrophy, indicating potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Participant has provided written and dated informed consent to participate in the study.
2. Participant is biological female between 18 and 45 years of age, inclusive.
3. Participant intends to complete postoperative rehabilitation at affiliated physical therapy clinic.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Participant is currently consuming nutritional supplements or has recently (regularly) consumed nutritional supplements, other than multivitamins and minerals in \<9 weeks prior to participation.
2. Participant currently suffers from a sleep disorder and/or has a known history of (or is currently being treated for) clinical depression, eating disorder(s) or any other psychiatric condition(s) that might limit natural recovery from substantial injury.
3. Participant has a history of orthopedic injury or surgery within the last year in the non-operative limb that may prevent them from completing the study procedures.
4. Participant has history of previous injury or surgery in the operative limb.
5. Participant has implants, hardware, devices, or other non-removable metal material in the body that would limit the accuracy of body composition assessments within the measurement area.
6. Participant is participating in another clinical trial or has received an investigational product within thirty days prior to enrollment.
7. Participant has a known allergy or sensitivity to any ingredient in the test product/s.
8. Participant is pregnant as confirmed by a urine sample and hCG test.

Where this trial is running

Overland Park, Kansas

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Atrophymusculoskeletal
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.