Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Observational Ages 60 and up

Using D3-Creatine to Measure Muscle Mass in Older Adults

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

Run by McMaster University · NCT06630949 · Data updated 2026-11-12

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
Ages60 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment350 (estimated)
SponsorMcMaster University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hamilton, Ontario)
StatusRecruiting
StartedOctober 1, 2023
Main results expectedDecember 31, 2026
Study endsJune 30, 2027
Registry record updatedOctober 8, 2024
Trial IDNCT06630949 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a 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.

Probably not a fit

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

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

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

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

  • Exercise Metabolism Research Laboratory, McMaster Univeristy
    Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Stuart Phillips — McMaster University, Department of Kinesiology
  • Study coordinator: Shalini Jaisankar Sumathi, MS
  • Email: jaisans@mcmaster.ca
  • Phone: 905-525-9140

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.