Exploring how biological sex affects insulin sensitivity and muscle metabolism after high-intensity exercise
Does Biological Sex Influence Insulin Sensitivity and Muscle Metabolism Following High-intensity Interval Exercise?
This study is testing how biological sex affects how well the body uses insulin and processes muscle energy after doing high-intensity exercise in young adults.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 24 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Toronto Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Toronto, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT06074003 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the impact of biological sex on insulin sensitivity and muscle metabolism following high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE). Participants, aged 18-35, will undergo two testing sessions: one after a period of rest and another after completing a HIIE session on a stationary bike. Insulin sensitivity will be assessed through blood samples taken after consuming a sugary drink, while muscle outcomes will be evaluated via a small muscle biopsy from the thigh. The goal is to determine if there are differences in metabolic responses to exercise between males and females.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy, recreationally active individuals aged 18-35 with specific fitness and body composition criteria.
Not a fit: Patients with diagnosed cardiovascular or metabolic diseases, hormonal disorders, or those on specific medications may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to tailored exercise recommendations that improve blood sugar control for both men and women.
How similar studies have performed: While studies have explored exercise effects on metabolism, this specific focus on biological sex differences in response to HIIE is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 18-35 yrs * VO2peak considered recreationally active as defined as 'fair' or 'good' (males: 41.6- 50.5ml/kg/min; females: 35-41.9 ml/kg/min) based on Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP) normative fitness values. * BMI between 18-27 kg/m2 * 1-3 structured exercise sessions/week, and not training for any specific sport * Weight stable (within ± 2kg for at least 6 months) * Eumenorrheic (female only), defined as menstrual cycle lengths ≥ 21 days and ≤ 35 days resulting in 9 or more consecutive periods per year) * Non-smoker Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed with cardiovascular or metabolic disease, hyper- or hypogonadism, and/or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) * The use of medication for managing blood glucose or lipid metabolism * Current use of oral contraceptives or use within the last 3 months * Irregular menstrual cycles (\<21 days or \>35 days) * Pregnant, lactating, or menopausal * Recreational smoking of any kind * Inability to perform the study exercise protocols or follow the pre-trial dietary or physical activity controls * Taking medications affecting substrate metabolism (corticosteroids or nSAIDs) * Actively engaging in a low-carbohydrate diet (e.g., ketogenic, Atkins)
Where this trial is running
Toronto, Ontario
- Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport — Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jenna Gillen, PhD
- Email: jenna.gillen@utoronto.ca
- Phone: 14169783244
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.