Muscle Biomarkers and Early Management of Sarcopenia
Official title: Morphological and Functional Biomarkers of Skeletal Muscle Adaptations for Early Detection of Sarcopenia and of the Therapeutic Effects of a Home-Based Exercise Intervention: A Randomized-Controlled Trial
Run by I.R.C.C.S Ospedale Galeazzi-Sant'Ambrogio · NCT07692308 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial tests a non-invasive ultrasound-based method to measure muscle quality and pairs it with a home exercise program to see if it can help people over 50 with sarcopenia or at risk for it.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 50 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 192 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | I.R.C.C.S Ospedale Galeazzi-Sant'Ambrogio Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Milan, Mi) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 3, 2026 |
| Main results expected | June 3, 2027 |
| Study ends | June 3, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | July 13, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07692308 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Sedentary adults over 50 with sarcopenia or at risk for sarcopenia, plus healthy older adults matched by age, sex, and activity level for reference.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals unable to perform the exercise protocol or with conditions severely limiting participation may not experience measurable benefits.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
The study investigates an integrated approach for early detection and management of sarcopenia using Quantitative Ultrasound with Radio-Frequency analysis (QUS-RF) to characterize muscle morphology and quality. QUS-RF measurements will be compared to standard assessments of body composition, strength, and physical performance. Participants will engage in a digitally delivered home-based exercise program with general physical activity guidance. The trial includes sedentary adults over 50 with sarcopenia, those at risk, and matched healthy controls to form a reference cohort. Primary aims include validating QUS-RF as an accessible diagnostic tool and observing potential improvements in muscle strength and function through the home-based intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could enable earlier detection of sarcopenia and provide an effective, scalable home-based exercise strategy to preserve muscle health.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work has shown promise with non-invasive imaging and exercise programs in sarcopenia, but the combination with QUS-RF and a digital home-based intervention is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Sedentary individuals aged over 50 years. * Individuals with sarcopenia, defined as reduced muscle mass assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis and reduced muscle strength assessed by handgrip strength, according to EWGSOP2 criteria. * Individuals at risk of sarcopenia, defined as reduced muscle mass with preserved muscle strength. * Healthy age-, sex-, and physical activity-matched older adults eligible for inclusion in the reference cohort. * Ability to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Hospitalization within the previous 6 weeks. * Substance or alcohol abuse. * Use of medications that may impair balance or coordination. * Major locomotor impairments. * Inability to complete the exercise protocol. * Medical, cognitive, or functional conditions that, in the opinion of the investigators, may interfere with safe participation, adherence to the study procedures, or completion of the follow-up assessments.
Where it's running
-
IRCCS Ospedale Galeazzi-Sant'Ambrogio
Milan, Mi, Italy Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Matteo Bonato, Ph.D.
- Email: matteo.bonato@unimi.it
- Phone: +390283502246
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Sarcopenia in Patients After Cardiac Surgery
This observational study tests how common sarcopenia is after cardiac surgery and whether current care helps improve muscle mass and function.
-
Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell injection for sarcopenia
This study tests whether CG-BM1, a stem cell injection, can be safely given to adults with sarcopenia to see if it helps improve muscle health.
-
GLP-1 receptor agonist use and muscle health in adults with obesity without diabetes
This study tests whether GLP-1 receptor agonists affect muscle mass and strength in adults with obesity who don’t have diabetes.
-
Sarcopenia and Epidural Steroid Injections in Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
We’re testing how sarcopenia relates to pain, function, and quality of life after a routine interlaminar epidural steroid injection in people with lumbar spinal stenosis.
-
Using Multimodal Ultrasound to Check Muscle Mass in Metabolic Disease Patients
This study tests whether a multimodal ultrasound approach can accurately measure muscle mass in people with metabolic syndrome, obesity, sarcopenia, or type 2 diabetes.
-
Lower-limb rehabilitation robot training with nutrition education for sarcopenia
In adults aged 60 and older with sarcopenia, this study tests whether adding robot-assisted leg training to nutrition education can improve muscle mass and walking ability compared with usual care.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.