Whole-body electrical stimulation and protein during short bed rest
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
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 42 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Wageningen University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Wageningen, Gelderland) |
| Trial ID | NCT07062562 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Wageningen, Gelderland
- Wageningen University — Wageningen, Gelderland, Netherlands (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Marlou Dirks, PhD
- Email: marlou.dirks@wur.nl
- Phone: +31 317 480 100
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.