Understanding muscle fatigue in older individuals with and without HIV

Skeletal Muscle Energetics and Fatiguability in Older Individuals

Observational Johns Hopkins University · NCT04142047

This study is trying to see how muscle problems affect exercise fatigue in older adults with and without HIV.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages60 Years to 90 Years
SexAll
SponsorJohns Hopkins University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Baltimore, Maryland)
Trial IDNCT04142047 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This research investigates the relationship between metabolic abnormalities in calf muscles and exercise fatigue in older adults, specifically comparing those living with HIV to those without. The study employs non-invasive techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and spectroscopy (MRS) to assess muscle metabolites and fat content, alongside blood samples to evaluate inflammation levels. By identifying the underlying factors contributing to fatigue, the study aims to enhance our understanding of exercise limitations in this population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 60 and older, including both HIV-positive participants on stable antiretroviral therapy and HIV-negative participants.

Not a fit: Patients with significant cardiovascular, pulmonary, or orthopedic diseases that limit exercise capacity may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved management strategies for fatigue and exercise limitations in older adults living with HIV.

How similar studies have performed: While this study addresses a specific population, similar approaches using MRI and MRS have shown promise in understanding muscle metabolism and fatigue in various conditions.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Participants who are \>= 60 years of age
* HIV serostatus positive participants on stable antiretroviral therapy (ART) (no regimen change in last month) with undetectable HIV viral load (\<100 copies).
* HIV serostatus negative participants

Exclusion Criteria:

* Unable to understand the risks, benefits, and alternatives of participation and give meaningful consent
* Contraindications to MRI
* Significant cardiovascular, pulmonary or musculoskeletal or orthopedic disease that significantly limits exercise capacity
* Significant lower extremity peripheral vascular disease.
* Weight greater than 350 lbs
* Cognitive or speech impairments that would limit completion of questionnaires or fatigue reporting.

Where this trial is running

Baltimore, Maryland

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.
Conditions HIVHIV Infections
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.