Improving muscle strength and quality of life in older patients with nutritional supplements

Effect of Oral Nutritional Supplements on Muscle Strength in Older Patients At Nutritional Risk Discharged with a Rehabilitation Plan

Not applicable Interventional Herlev and Gentofte Hospital · NCT05556876

This study is testing if giving nutritional drinks to older patients after they leave the hospital can help them get stronger and improve their quality of life.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment124 (estimated)
Ages65 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorHerlev and Gentofte Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Herlev)
Trial IDNCT05556876 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the impact of oral nutritional supplements on elderly patients who are discharged with a rehabilitation plan. Participants will be randomly assigned to either receive nutritional drinks twice daily for 12 weeks or to a control group with no additional intervention. Data will be collected at discharge, after 6 weeks via phone, and after 12 weeks during a home visit, focusing on muscle strength, muscle mass, quality of life, and other health indicators. The study aims to include 124 patients at nutritional risk to assess the effectiveness of the intervention.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are men and women aged 65 and older who are at nutritional risk and have a rehabilitation plan upon discharge.

Not a fit: Patients with active cancer, renal insufficiency, or cognitive impairment may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance recovery and quality of life for older patients at nutritional risk.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown positive outcomes with nutritional interventions in similar populations, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Men and women aged ≥ 65 years old
* Independent stand function

  * Able to speak and understand Danish
  * At nutritional risk according to NRS-2002
  * (Expected to be) discharged with a new rehabilitation plan
  * Admitted to the medical and orthopaedic departments of Gentofte or Herlev Hospital

Exclusion Criteria:

* Active cancer

  * Renal insufficiency (eGFR \< 27 mL/min/1.73m2)
  * Cognitive impairment (not able to comprehend the purpose of the study/give informed consent)
  * Terminal disease
  * Exclusively receiving texture modified food, enteral or parenteral nutrition
  * Planning to lose weight/go on a special diet
  * Planned transfer to other hospitals/departments
  * Pacemaker/other implanted electrical stimulants (due to Bio-Impedance Analysis (BIA)

    * Taking fish-oil supplements as a medical prescription due to hypertriglyceridemia
    * Taking fish-oil supplements for other reasons and do not wish to stop this during the study period

Where this trial is running

Herlev

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.
Conditions Nutritional RiskRehabilitationOral Nutritional Supplementsmuscle strenghtquality of lifebody compositionprotein intake
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.