Investigating the effects of a ketogenic diet on muscle growth

Effects of Ketogenic Diet on Muscle Hypertrophic Response to Resistance Exercise

Not applicable Interventional University of Padova · NCT05897567

This study is testing if a ketogenic diet helps healthy men who lift weights build more muscle compared to a regular diet.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment24 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 50 Years
SexMale
SponsorUniversity of Padova Academic / other
Locations1 site (Padua)
Trial IDNCT05897567 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study examines how a ketogenic diet, characterized by low carbohydrate intake, influences muscle hypertrophy signaling following exercise in healthy trained male participants. Over a period of four weeks, subjects will undergo resistance training while adhering to either a ketogenic or a western diet. The study aims to assess changes in body composition, muscle strength, and various blood parameters as a result of the dietary intervention. The findings could provide insights into the relationship between diet and muscle development in resistance-trained individuals.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy male individuals with at least two years of resistance training experience and a BMI between 18 and 30.

Not a fit: Patients with metabolic diseases, recent steroid use, or those who have followed a ketogenic diet in the past six months may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance dietary recommendations for optimizing muscle growth and strength in resistance-trained individuals.

How similar studies have performed: While there is ongoing interest in the effects of ketogenic diets on muscle growth, this specific approach has not been extensively tested, making it a novel investigation.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* at least 2 years of resistance-training experience
* Body mass index: more than 18 kg/m2 and less than 30 kg/m2

Exclusion Criteria:

* metabolic diseases or noncommunicable diseases (cardiovascular, liver, respiratory, cancer, etc)
* experience with the ketogenic diet (last six months)
* acute inflammatory status
* treatment with steroids in the past 3 months

Where this trial is running

Padua

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 Healthy Nutrition
Last reviewed 2026-06-14 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.