Using D3-Creatine to Measure Muscle Mass in Older Adults

Using a Novel Method to Diagnose the Prevalence and Health Impact of Muscle Loss in Older Adults

Observational McMaster University · NCT06630949

This study is testing a new way to measure muscle mass in older adults using a special form of creatine to see if it's more accurate than current methods.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment350 (estimated)
Ages60 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMcMaster University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hamilton, Ontario)
Trial IDNCT06630949 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to assess skeletal muscle mass (SMM) in older adults using a novel, non-invasive method involving deuterium-labelled creatine (D3-creatine). The study will recruit 350 participants aged 60 to 80 from the greater Hamilton-Toronto area, who will undergo urine sampling to measure SMM. The researchers will compare the results of D3-Cr-measured SMM with traditional DXA assessments of lean soft tissue. This approach seeks to improve the accuracy of muscle mass measurement and its relevance to health outcomes in aging populations.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults aged 60 to 80 who live within 60 km of Hamilton and have self-reported minor mobility limitations.

Not a fit: Patients who have significant mobility disabilities or cannot communicate in English may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a more accurate and non-invasive method for assessing muscle mass in older adults, potentially leading to better management of sarcopenia.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of D3-creatine for measuring muscle mass is a novel approach, similar studies have shown promise in improving muscle assessment techniques.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Participants will be considered eligible for this study if they are

* Between 60 and 80y (inclusive),
* Reside in the local (i.e., within 60km of Hamilton) community; and
* Are willing and able to provide written informed consent.

Participants must fall into one of three self-reported mobility limitations based on validated screening criteria via a structured phone interview. Potential participants will be asked whether they have any difficulty:

* Walking 800m;
* Climbing ten steps; and
* Transferring from/into a car or bus.

Response options include:

* Managing without difficulty;
* Managing without difficulty but with task modification; or
* Managing with minor difficulty.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Participants who self-report more than minor difficulty will be considered to have a mobility disability and excluded.
* Participants who cannot speak or read English will also be excluded.

Where this trial is running

Hamilton, Ontario

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 AgingMuscle Lossagingmusclestable isotope tracermobilitysarcopeniacreatine
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.