High-protein plant-based diet and exercise program for older adults

Improvements by a Protein-Rich Plant-Based Diet and Resistance Exercise Program for Active Ageing

NA · Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences · NCT06172725

This study tests whether a high-protein plant-based diet combined with exercise can help older adults keep their muscle mass better than a high-protein diet that includes meat.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages55 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorAmsterdam University of Applied Sciences (other)
Locations1 site (Amsterdam, Noord-Holland)
Trial IDNCT06172725 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of a high-protein vegetarian diet compared to a high-protein omnivorous diet, both combined with a resistance training program, on muscle mass preservation in healthy older adults. Participants aged 55 and older will follow a twelve-week intervention to assess changes in protein intake and muscle mass. The study aims to address the challenges of maintaining muscle mass through dietary and exercise interventions in an aging population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy individuals aged 55 years or older who live independently and have a BMI between 18.5 and 30 kg/m2.

Not a fit: Patients with significant alcohol or drug abuse issues, cognitive impairments, or chronic diseases that may interfere with the study may not benefit from this intervention.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could help older adults maintain muscle mass and improve their overall health and quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown positive outcomes with dietary and exercise interventions for muscle mass preservation in older adults, suggesting this approach is promising.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Aged 55 years or older
* BMI 18.5-30 kg/m2
* Living independently
* Ability and willingness to comply with the protocol
* Written an informed consent
* Consent of the study physician

Exclusion Criteria:

* Alcohol abuse (more than 14 glasses per week (women) or more than 21 glasses per week (men)) or drug abuse in the opinion of the study physician (CBS et al., 2017)
* Inability to understand the Dutch language
* Cognitive impairment (MMSE more than 25)
* Diagnosed chronic disease that may interfere with protocol (e.g., cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, neurological, known renal diseases (eGFR more than 60 mL/min (Levey \& Coresh, 2012), and/or diabetes)
* Current enrolment in an exercise program or other intervention study
* Planned a holiday during the intervention period and is unable to attend training sessions for more than 1 week

Where this trial is running

Amsterdam, Noord-Holland

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: Protein Intake

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.