Investigating muscle function and aging

Exercise as a Countermeasure Against the Effects of Ageing on Muscle Mitochondria, Diffusive Oxygen Transport and Muscle Volume

VU University of Amsterdam · NCT06539078

This study looks at how aging affects muscle function in both active and inactive people of different ages to see if being physically active helps maintain muscle health as we get older.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorVU University of Amsterdam (other)
Locations1 site (Amsterdam, North Holland)
Trial IDNCT06539078 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to explore the impact of aging on skeletal muscle function by comparing physically active and inactive individuals across different age groups. It will utilize advanced techniques such as near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to assess oxygen diffusion capacity in muscles, alongside other non-invasive and invasive measures of mitochondrial function. The study will include young sedentary, young endurance-trained, older sedentary, and older endurance-trained participants to understand how endurance training may mitigate age-related declines in muscle function.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include young adults aged 18-30 who are either sedentary or endurance-trained, as well as older adults aged 50-65 who are sedentary or endurance-trained.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic health conditions affecting exercise tolerance or those not fitting the age or activity criteria may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into how exercise can help maintain muscle function and independence in older adults.

How similar studies have performed: While there is existing literature on muscle aging, this study employs novel techniques that have not been extensively tested in this context.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

In order to be eligible to participate in this study, young sedentary participants must meet all of the following criteria:

* Aged between 18-30 years
* Male or female
* Not currently engaging in any formal exercise training or competitive sports
* No chronic health conditions likely to affect exercise tolerance or the physiological responses to exercise

In order to be eligible to participate in this study, young trained participants must meet all of the following criteria:

* Aged between 18-30 years
* Male or female
* Currently engaging in formal training (at least 3 times per week) in competitive endurance sports
* No chronic health conditions likely to affect exercise tolerance or the physiological responses to exercise

In order to be eligible to participate in this study, older sedentary participants must meet all of the following criteria:

* Aged between 50-65 years
* Male or female
* Not currently engaging in any formal exercise training or competitive sports
* No chronic health conditions likely to affect exercise tolerance or the physiological responses to exercise

In order to be eligible to participate in this study, older trained participants must meet all of the following criteria:

* Aged between 50-65 years
* Male or female
* Currently engaging in formal training (at least 3 times per week) in competitive endurance sports
* No chronic health conditions likely to affect exercise tolerance or the physiological responses to exercise

Exclusion Criteria:

* Age that falls outside of 18-30 years (young groups) or 50-65 years (middle-aged groups)
* Inability to provide informed consent
* History of claustrophobia
* Ineligibility to perform the exercise test described in this study protocol or follow instructions
* Taking any medications known to interfere with the physiological responses to exercise, e.g. e.g. systemic corticosteroids, statins, SGLT2 inhibitors, GLP1 receptor agonists
* Contraindication for MRI (e.g. pacemaker, claustrophobia)
* Being under investigation for non-diagnosed disease at the time of investigation
* Body Mass Index (BMI) \>30 due to adiposity, since this is known to cause difficulties in obtaining muscle biopsies and NIRS measurements
* Pregnancy
* Are current smokers or have been a regular smoker within the last 12 months

Where this trial is running

Amsterdam, North 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: Aging, Exercise, Mitochondria, Skeletal muscle

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.