Strategies to reduce muscle loss in aging women

Muscle Mass, Quality, and the Menopause: Sex-specific Strategies to Mitigate Sarcopenia in Ageing Populations

This study looks at how aging and menopause affect muscle loss in women aged 18-65 who don’t exercise regularly, to find ways to help them maintain muscle and stay healthy.

Quick facts

• Study type: Observational
• Enrollment: 18 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 65 Years
• Sex: Female
• Sponsor: University of Nottingham (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Nottingham)
• Trial ID: NCT06806501 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the impact of aging on muscle mass and function, particularly focusing on the differences between men and women. It aims to understand how menopause affects muscle loss and physical disability in women aged 18-65 who do not regularly engage in resistance exercise. The study will explore the relationship between body composition changes, such as increased fat infiltration into muscle, and the development of sarcopenia. By identifying sex-specific strategies, the research seeks to mitigate the effects of sarcopenia and improve health outcomes for aging populations.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are biological women aged 18-65 with a BMI between 18-30 who do not perform regular resistance exercise.

Not a fit: Patients with significant cardiovascular, respiratory, or metabolic diseases, or those with a BMI outside the specified range, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to targeted interventions that improve muscle health and reduce frailty in aging women.

How similar studies have performed: While there is ongoing research into sarcopenia and its effects, this study's specific focus on sex differences and menopause-related muscle loss is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Biological woman, 18-65 years of age
* Body mass index (BMI) 18-30 kg/m2
* Non smoker
* Not performing regular resistance type exercise
* Participant is willing and able to give informed consent for participation in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

* A BMI \<18 or \>39 kg·m-2
* Active cardiovascular disease: uncontrolled hypertension (Blood pressure \> 160/100), angina, heart failure (class III/IV), arrhythmia, right to left cardiac shunt or recent cardiac event.
* Cerebrovascular disease: previous stroke, aneurysm (large vessel or intracranial)
* Respiratory disease including pulmonary hypertension or Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
* Metabolic disease: hyper and hypo parathyroidism, untreated hyper and hypothyroidism, Cushing's disease, types 1 or 2 diabetes (treated and untreated), polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), inborn/ congenital errors of metabolism (e.g. Phenylketonuria (PKU), galactosaemia)
* Active inflammatory bowel disease.
* Acute infection.
* Acute or chronic renal disease.
* Malignancy (or history of malignancy with 5 y).
* Recent (within 6 mo) or current steroid treatment, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), hormonal contraception, or other hormonal therapies that may interfere with outcome measures.
* Coagulopathy.
* Musculoskeletal or neurological disorders.
* Having taken part in a research study in the last 3 months involving invasive procedures or an inconvenience allowance.
* Amenorrhoea for a reason other than menopause.
* Contraindications for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
* Allergy or sensitivity to local anaesthesia, or dressing adhesive.
* Inner ear pathology or vertigo

Where this trial is running

Nottingham

• Queens Medical Centre Campus — Nottingham, United Kingdom (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Matthew Brook

Conditions Healthy