Effects of short exercise breaks on muscle health in older adults after reduced activity
The Impact of Postprandial 'Exercise Snacks' on Protein and Glucose Metabolism Following a Period of Step Reduction in Older Adults
This study tests if taking short exercise breaks, like standing up and doing calf raises, can help older adults keep their muscles healthy after a few days of sitting around.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 60 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Toronto Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Toronto, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT05810272 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates how short bouts of exercise, referred to as 'exercise snacks', can mitigate the negative effects of reduced physical activity on muscle metabolism in older adults. Participants will undergo a three-day period of limited movement, followed by assessments of their muscle's ability to process nutrients after meals. The study compares the effects of performing chair stands with calf raises every 30 minutes against a control group that remains seated. The goal is to find effective strategies to maintain muscle health during periods of inactivity.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy older adults aged 60 to 80 with a BMI between normal to overweight.
Not a fit: Patients with chronic illnesses, recent cancer, or those using assistive devices may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could help older adults maintain muscle health and metabolic function during times of reduced physical activity.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with similar interventions aimed at improving muscle health in older adults during inactivity.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Healthy older (age: 60-80 y) adults * BMI between normal to overweight (18.5-29.9 kg/m2) Exclusion Criteria: * Regular use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (with the exception of daily low-dose aspirin) * Alcohol consumption during the study period * Use of anticoagulants * Use of a walker, cane, or assistive walking device * Current or recently remised cancer * Infectious or gastrointestinal disease * Inability to comply with study protocol (e.g., \>1,500 steps/day during Step-Reduction Phase) * Regular tobacco use * Self-reported illicit drug use (e.g. growth hormone, testosterone, etc.) * Diagnosed chronic illness (e.g. type 2 diabetes, heart disease, thyroid disease) * Hormonal Replacement Therapy
Where this trial is running
Toronto, Ontario
- Goldring Center for High Performance Sport — Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Daniel R Moore, PhD — University of Toronto
- Study coordinator: Daniel R Moore, PhD
- Email: dr.moore@utoronto.ca
- Phone: 4169464088
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.