Examining gut health in older adults without muscle loss
Trial in Elderly With Musculoskeletal Problems Due to Underlying Sarcopenia - Faeces to Unravel Gut and Inflammation Translationally
This study looks at the gut health of older adults who don't have muscle loss to see how it relates to their muscle strength and overall health.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 110 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Universitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Leuven) |
| Trial ID | NCT05008770 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to analyze the gut microbiota composition in elderly individuals who do not have sarcopenia and to explore the relationship between gut health, intestinal inflammation, and muscle-related parameters such as muscle mass and strength. Participants aged 65 and older will be recruited from community settings or assisted living facilities. The gut microbiota of these individuals will be compared to that of older adults with sarcopenia from a related study, providing insights into the gut-muscle axis and its implications for healthy aging.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are Dutch-speaking individuals aged 65 and older who do not exhibit signs of sarcopenia.
Not a fit: Patients with diagnosed sarcopenia, significant physical impairments, or those who have been physically active in the last six months may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance our understanding of gut health's role in preventing muscle loss in older adults, potentially leading to improved strategies for healthy aging.
How similar studies have performed: While this study explores a novel relationship between gut microbiota and sarcopenia, similar studies have shown promising results in understanding gut health's impact on aging.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Male or female persons without probable, confirmed or severe sarcopenia according to the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2): no reduced muscle strength measured by chair stand test or hand grips strength * 65 years or older * Community-dwelling elderly or assisted living * Dutch speaking Exclusion Criteria: * Impairments/diseases that affect performance of daily activities * Persons who are systematically physically active (e.g. routine or organized sports activities) or who followed a physical activity training program (e.g., rehabilitation program) in the last 6 months (systematically = twice or more/week) * Diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, measured by fasting glucose ≥126 mg/dL or HbA1C ≥ 6.5% at screening or in recent (maximum 3 months old) lab report * Use of antibiotics in the last 3 months * Gastrointestinal cancer (active or treated in the last 5 years) * No freezer at home available After the screening visit, included persons will be invited for a test visit.
Where this trial is running
Leuven
- UZ Leuven — Leuven, Belgium (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Evelien Gielen, PhD MD — Gerontology and Geriatrics, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KULeuven
- Study coordinator: Jolan Dupont, MD
- Email: jolan.dupont@uzleuven.be
- Phone: +32 16 34 32 01
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.