See if cross-education helps prevent weakness during short-term wrist immobilization in midlife women
Official title: Mitigating Neural Hypoexcitability and Weakness During Disuse in Women
Run by Kansas State University · NCT07166198 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are testing whether training the opposite arm can help keep strength and muscle size in the immobilized wrist for midlife women.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 40 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Kansas State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Manhattan, Kansas) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | January 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | January 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | June 10, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07166198 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Women aged 40–65 with baseline handgrip strength greater than 16 kg willing to undergo wrist immobilization and follow the training protocol.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals unable to participate in cast wear or those with conditions that preclude safe immobilization or resistance training 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
This randomized, parallel-group study enrolls women aged 40–65 and uses a 7-day wrist immobilization on one arm. During immobilization, one group performs maximal-effort resistance training with the opposite arm, while the control group does not train. After cast removal, all participants follow a 2-week rehabilitation program to restore strength and function. Non-invasive measures will track changes in the nervous system, muscle activity, and muscle structure to understand cross-education effects. The study stratifies participants by menopausal status and uses repeated testing to evaluate neuromuscular outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could help maintain muscle strength and neural function during brief periods of limb disuse.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work suggests cross-education can preserve strength in the opposite limb, but this specific protocol in midlife women during immobilization is novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Women between 40-65 years of age * Baseline handgrip strength \>16Kg Exclusion Criteria: * Personal or family history of blood clots * Current use of anticoagulant medications * Neuromuscular or metabolic diseases (e.g., multiple sclerosis, diabetes) * Arthritis * Osteoporosis or osteopenia * History of myocardial infarction within the past year * Chronic pain ≥3/10 for ≥3 months * Uncontrolled hypertension (≥140/90 mmHg) * Upper extremity surgery within the past year * Use of assistive hand or arm device within the past year * Fall involving the upper extremities within the past year * Upper extremity injuries preventing safe participation * Current use of muscle relaxants, benzodiazepines, or similar drugs * Smoking within the past 6 months * History of drug or alcohol abuse within the past year * Severe anxiety or claustrophobia * Pregnancy (current or planned) * Allergies to medical adhesives * High risk of sarcopenia (per SARC-F) * Contraindications to TMS or MRI * Upper-body resistance training within the past 6 months * Inability/unwillingness to refrain from resistance training during study
Where it's running
-
Neuromuscular Physiology Laboratory
Manhattan, Kansas, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Joshua Carr, Ph.D. — Kansas State University
- Study coordinator: Joshua Carr, Ph.D.
- Email: joshuacarr@ksu.edu
- Phone: 785-532-0700
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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.