Understanding how older adults' muscles recover from injury

Muscle Phenotyping in Frail Older Patients Having Hip Surgery Following Fracture

University of Nottingham · NCT04764617

This study looks at how frail older adults recover their muscle strength and health after a hip fracture to see what might help them heal better.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages65 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Nottingham (other)
Locations1 site (Nottingham)
Trial IDNCT04764617 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study focuses on the functioning of muscles in frail older adults, particularly those who have sustained a hip fracture from a fall. It aims to assess not only muscle strength but also the composition of muscle cells, including fats and proteins, and the expression of genes related to muscle function. By understanding these factors, the study seeks to identify the underlying vulnerabilities that contribute to poor recovery outcomes in this population. The findings could inform future interventions aimed at improving muscle health and recovery in older adults.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are older adults with a Clinical Frailty Score of 4 or higher who have sustained a hip fracture from a fall and require surgical intervention.

Not a fit: Patients who have sustained their hip fracture from high-impact trauma or have chronic conditions causing muscle wasting may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved recovery strategies for older adults with frailty, potentially reducing complications and dependency after hip fractures.

How similar studies have performed: While this study explores specific cellular functions in frail older adults, similar research on sarcopenia and muscle recovery has shown promising results, indicating potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Clinical Frailty Score (assessed as part of standard care) ≥ 4
* Fractured hip, sustained following a fall, that requires surgery
* Good understanding of spoken and written English language
* Able to give informed consent, or availability of a legally acceptable surrogate to provide consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Those who fell and sustained their hip fracture greater than 12 hours prior to hospitalisation.
* Those who have fallen and sustained a hip fracture whilst an in-patient in hospital
* Those who sustained the hip fracture as a result of high impact trauma (e.g. road traffic accident)
* Surgery carried out later than 96 hrs after fall
* Chronic neurological, inflammatory or musculoskeletal disorders which result in muscle wasting, e.g. Multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, rheumatoid arthritis
* Any co-morbidity which precludes hip surgery
* Those with a compromised swallowing reflex which would prevent the participant from taking fluids orally, will be excluded.
* Those taking diabetes medication

Where this trial is running

Nottingham

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Frailty Syndrome

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.