Effects of ketones on heart recovery after intense exercise

Prospective Study Investigating the Effects of Intense Endurance Exercise on the Heart Muscle and the Effect of Exogenous Ketones on Acute Changes and Recovery of the Heart Muscle.

Phase 4 Interventional Jessa Hospital · NCT06715748

This study is testing if taking ketones can help healthy cyclists' hearts recover better after a tough three-hour ride.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 50 Years
SexAll
SponsorJessa Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hasselt, Limburg)
Trial IDNCT06715748 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This research evaluates how prolonged and intense exercise impacts heart muscle inflammation and recovery. Participants, who are healthy recreational cyclists, will cycle for three hours, with two hours at an intense pace, while their heart function is monitored. The study aims to determine if exogenous ketones can influence the occurrence and recovery of cardiac abnormalities following intense exercise. Advanced imaging techniques will be used to assess myocardial edema and cardiac function before, immediately after, and 20-24 hours post-exercise.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy recreational male and female cyclists aged 18 to 50 with high fitness levels.

Not a fit: Patients with cardiovascular, metabolic, or respiratory diseases, or those with cardiovascular risk factors will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved recovery strategies for athletes and individuals engaging in intense exercise, potentially reducing the risk of heart damage.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown correlations between exercise-induced cardiac damage and recovery, but this specific approach using exogenous ketones is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* healthy recreational male and female cyclists between 18 and 50 years old, who have signed an informed consent form.
* Participants will be included if they achieve a VO2-max/kg value above P90, corrected for age and sex, based on the reference value by E. Van der Steeg et al.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Cardiovascular, metabolic, or respiratory diseases
* Participants with cardiovascular risk factors
* Contraindications for maximum exercise
* Contraindications for MRI.

Where this trial is running

Hasselt, Limburg

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 Exercise-induced Myocardial DamageRight Ventricular Diastolic DysfunctionExercise induced cardiac damageExogeneous ketoneCardiac RecoveryCMRCardiac USTroponine
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.