NIRS, Taurine, and Muscle Endurance in Young Adults
Official title: Near-Infrared Spectroscopy-Derived Mitochondrial Oxidative Phosphorylation Capacity, Local Muscular Fatigue Resistance, and the Effects of Acute Taurine Supplementation
Run by Louisiana State University and A&M College · NCT07654946 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether a near‑infrared test of muscle function relates to how long the thigh muscles can endure and fatigue, and whether taking a taurine supplement briefly improves endurance and reduces fatigue compared with a placebo.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 34 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Louisiana State University and A&M College Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Baton Rouge, Louisiana) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 15, 2026 |
| Main results expected | January 15, 2027 |
| Study ends | January 15, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | August 26, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07654946 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Sedentary to recreationally active young adults willing to participate in supervised exercise and able to provide informed consent.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with significant medical conditions, high cardiovascular risk, or those not meeting the inclusion/exclusion criteria may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
In healthy young adults, the study will measure mitochondrial function in the vastus lateralis using a noninvasive NIRS method and relate it to local muscular endurance and fatigability. It will also test the effects of acutely taken taurine versus placebo on endurance and fatigue during controlled assessments. Participants go through a screening visit, a familiarization visit, and an in-person NIRS assessment after an overnight fast. The approach uses NIRS recovery kinetics to estimate mitochondrial OXPHOS capacity and compares placebo-controlled taurine supplementation. Recruitment is from the LSU campus and surrounding area, with specific inclusion and exclusion criteria to ensure safety and relevance.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could help clarify whether taurine can transiently boost local muscle endurance and reduce fatigue.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work with similar noninvasive muscle assessments shows the concept is feasible, but this exact taurine‑with‑NIRS approach is novel or less established.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Capable and willing to give written informed consent * Capable of understanding inclusion and exclusion criteria * No medical condition that would limit participation in supervised exercise * No current prescription medications known to impact mitochondrial function * Sedentary or recreationally active (self-report average MVPA \< 300 mins/week) * Willing to allow researchers to use data for research purposes Exclusion Criteria: * Self-report history of diabetes mellitus * Self-report history of cardiovascular, peripheral vascular, cerebral vascular, pulmonary, or renal disease * Self-report history of uncontrolled hypertension (resting systolic blood pressure \> 180 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure \> 100 mmHg) * Self-report history of blood clotting disorders * Self-report history of sickle cell trait * Self-report history of myopathy leading to muscle loss, weakness, severe cramps, or myalgia * Self-report history of musculoskeletal disorders * Self-report history of lower limb musculoskeletal injuries that may cause significant differences in the functional capacities of the right and left legs * Self-report history of neurological disorders * Active tobacco, E-cigarette, or nicotine use * Recent (within previous 2 weeks) consumption of energy drinks or supplements containing ≥ 1 gram of taurine on \> 2 days/week * Actively taking medications to treat blood-clotting disorders * Any condition that, in the judgement of the Principal Investigator, may interfere with study participation and adherence to the protocol * Participants may be excluded if measured adipose tissue thickness is \> 2.0 cm at the site of NIRS assessment or if the accessor is unable to obtain high-quality NIRS signals
Where it's running
-
Huey P. Long Fieldhouse Exercise Physiology Laboratory
Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Efthymios Papadopoulos, PhD
- Email: epap@lsu.edu
- Phone: 225-578-0938
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.