Whole-body electrical stimulation and protein during short bed rest
Official title: The Effect of Repeated Sessions of Whole-body Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES), With or Without Subsequent Intake of a Protein Bolus, on Muscle Protein Synthesis in Healthy, Young Volunteers During 3 Days of Bed Rest
Run by Wageningen University · NCT07062562 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will see if whole-body electrical stimulation, with or without a 20 g protein drink, helps preserve muscle protein synthesis, muscle mass, and function during three days of bed rest in healthy adults aged 18–35.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 42 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Wageningen University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Wageningen, Gelderland) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 22, 2025 |
| Main results expected | May 2027 |
| Study ends | May 2027 |
| Registry record updated | November 10, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07062562 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are healthy, recreationally active adults aged 18–35 with a BMI between 18.5 and 30 kg/m2 who can stay inpatient for three days and meet the trial's exclusion criteria.
✕Probably not a fit
Older adults, patients with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic medication use, or other comorbidities were excluded from this trial and may not experience the same effects shown here.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Healthy young adults are randomized to one of three parallel groups: sham-NMES with standard nutrition, whole-body NMES with standard nutrition, or whole-body NMES followed by a 20 g protein bolus. Participants undergo three days of supervised bed rest in-hospital while receiving either single or repeated whole-body NMES sessions according to protocol. Primary outcomes include muscle protein synthesis rates, with secondary measures of muscle mass and functional performance measured before and after the bed-rest period. The trial is placebo-controlled and uses standardized nutrition to isolate the effects of NMES and timed protein intake.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a simple, bedside method to reduce short-term muscle loss during periods of enforced inactivity such as hospital bed rest.
How similar studies have gone: Previous localized NMES studies have reduced quadriceps loss in sedated patients and improved muscle protein synthesis in people with type 2 diabetes, but whole-body NMES combined with timed protein intake during bed rest remains relatively untested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged from 18-35 years * 18.5 \< BMI \< 30 kg·m2 * Recreationally active (performing non-competitive physical exercise at least one time per week for minimally 30 minutes) Exclusion Criteria: * Employed or undertaking a thesis or internship at the department of Human and Animal Physiology at Wageningen University * Smoking * Diabetes (Type 1, Type 2, or genetic form of diabetes) * Any diagnosed cardiovascular (heart) disease or high blood pressure (≥140 mmHg systolic and/or ≥90 mmHg diastolic) * Chronic use of any prescribed or over the counter pharmaceuticals (excluding oral contraceptives and contraceptive devices) * Known allergy to lidocaine * Prone to keloid forming (i.e. hyperplastic growth of scars) * All co-morbidities interacting with mobility and muscle metabolism of the lower limbs (e.g. arthritis, spasticity/rigidity, all neurological disorders and paralysis) * Regular use of dietary protein and/or amino acid supplements (\>3 times per week) * Currently involved in a structured progressive resistance training programme (\>3 times per week) * A personal or family history of thrombosis (clots), epilepsy, seizures, or schizophrenia * Any previous motor disorders or disorders in muscle and/or lipid metabolism * Any back, leg, knee, neck, shoulder or postural complaints * Presence of an ulcer in the stomach or gut and/or strong history of indigestion * Contra-indications for DXA scans (e.g. undergoing radiologic examination) * Lactose intolerance * Known severe kidney problems * Pregnant or breastfeeding * Unable to give consent
Where it's running
-
Wageningen University
Wageningen, Gelderland, Netherlands Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Marlou Dirks, PhD
- Email: marlou.dirks@wur.nl
- Phone: +31 317 480 100
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.