Exercise to improve mitochondrial function and insulin sensitivity

Exercise-mediated Rescue of Mitochondrial Derangements Driving Insulin Resistance in Humans (EX-MITO-DYS-IR)

NA · Rigshospitalet, Denmark · NCT06080594

This study is testing whether high-intensity exercise on one leg can improve muscle function and insulin sensitivity in people with certain mitochondrial DNA mutations.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment15 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorRigshospitalet, Denmark (other)
Locations1 site (Copenhagen)
Trial IDNCT06080594 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This intervention focuses on understanding how exercise training affects muscle mitochondrial adaptations and insulin sensitivity in individuals with specific mitochondrial DNA mutations. Participants will engage in high-intensity exercise training on one leg, while the other leg remains inactive as a control. Following the exercise intervention, various assessments will be conducted, including a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp and muscle biopsies to evaluate changes in muscle metabolism and mitochondrial function. The study aims to clarify the relationship between mitochondrial dysfunction and insulin resistance.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals with known m.3243A>G mutations or other specific mitochondrial DNA point mutations.

Not a fit: Patients with severe heart disease, dysregulated thyroid conditions, or those on certain medications may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved exercise-based interventions for patients with mitochondrial diseases, enhancing their insulin sensitivity and overall metabolic health.

How similar studies have performed: While the study explores a novel approach, previous research has indicated potential benefits of exercise in improving mitochondrial function and insulin sensitivity in related conditions.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Known m.3243A\>G mutation in the MT-TL1 gene encoding the mitochondrial leucyl-tRNA 1 gene
* Other known mtDNA point mutations

Exclusion Criteria:

* Use of antiarrhythmic medications or other medications which, in the opinion of the investigators, have the potential to affect outcome measures.
* Diagnosed severe heart disease, dysregulated thyroid gland conditions, or other dysregulated endocrinopathies, or other conditions which, in the opinion of the investigators, have the potential to affect outcome measures.
* Pregnancy

Where this trial is running

Copenhagen

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Mitochondrial Myopathies, Mitochondrial Diseases, Mitochondrial Disorders, Mitochondrial disease, Muscle metabolism, Insulin resistance, Exercise training, Mitochondrial dysfunction

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.