RecruitingNCT06539078

Skeletal Muscle Mitochondria in Ageing

Exercise as a Countermeasure Against the Effects of Ageing on Muscle Mitochondria, Diffusive Oxygen Transport and Muscle Volume

Sponsor

VU University of Amsterdam

Enrollment

60 participants

Start Date

Mar 25, 2024

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Conditions

Aging

Summary

Healthy ageing is associated with the loss of muscle mass and physical function. As a result, older people are limited in their independence. The aging of muscles typically begins around the age of 30. From this age onward, muscle strength, muscle mass, and the maximum oxygen uptake of muscles decrease. The reasons for this are not entirely clear, but it seems to be partly related to how oxygen moves from our blood vessels to the muscles and how muscles burn energy. The precise role of age and physical fitness, as well as whether exercise can counteract the effects of ageing, is still unknown. Therefore, in this study, we aim to investigate the muscle function of both physically active and inactive young and middle-aged individuals. We hypothesise that endurance training can mitigate some of the effects of ageing.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 YearsMax Age: 65 Years

Inclusion Criteria20

In order to be eligible to participate in this study, young sedentary participants must meet all of the following criteria:
Aged between 18-30 years
Male or female
Not currently engaging in any formal exercise training or competitive sports
No chronic health conditions likely to affect exercise tolerance or the physiological responses to exercise
In order to be eligible to participate in this study, young trained participants must meet all of the following criteria:
Aged between 18-30 years
Male or female
Currently engaging in formal training (at least 3 times per week) in competitive endurance sports
No chronic health conditions likely to affect exercise tolerance or the physiological responses to exercise
In order to be eligible to participate in this study, older sedentary participants must meet all of the following criteria:
Aged between 50-65 years
Male or female
Not currently engaging in any formal exercise training or competitive sports
No chronic health conditions likely to affect exercise tolerance or the physiological responses to exercise
In order to be eligible to participate in this study, older trained participants must meet all of the following criteria:
Aged between 50-65 years
Male or female
Currently engaging in formal training (at least 3 times per week) in competitive endurance sports
No chronic health conditions likely to affect exercise tolerance or the physiological responses to exercise

Exclusion Criteria10

Age that falls outside of 18-30 years (young groups) or 50-65 years (middle-aged groups)
Inability to provide informed consent
History of claustrophobia
Ineligibility to perform the exercise test described in this study protocol or follow instructions
Taking any medications known to interfere with the physiological responses to exercise, e.g. e.g. systemic corticosteroids, statins, SGLT2 inhibitors, GLP1 receptor agonists
Contraindication for MRI (e.g. pacemaker, claustrophobia)
Being under investigation for non-diagnosed disease at the time of investigation
Body Mass Index (BMI) >30 due to adiposity, since this is known to cause difficulties in obtaining muscle biopsies and NIRS measurements
Pregnancy
Are current smokers or have been a regular smoker within the last 12 months

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Interventions

OTHERMaximal exercise test

Participants will undertake an incremental ramp test on a cycle ergometer to determine maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max) and the gas exchange threshold (GET). Throughout the exercise test, muscle oxygenation and deoxygenation will be monitored by NIRS.

OTHER3D Ultrasound

Muscle volume and morphological characteristics will be assessed via 3D ultrasound imaging.

OTHERDynamometry

To determine the contractile properties of the knee extensors, participants will perform maximal isometric and isoinertial contractions of the knee extensors on a dynamometer.

OTHERExercise test and occlusions

Participants will perform a series of moderate-intensity constant power output exercise bouts on a cycle ergometer following which the recovery rates of muscle V̇O2 will be determined via a series of intermittent arterial occlusions. Throughout all tests, pulmonary gas exchange and ventilation will be determined and muscle oxygenation and deoxygenation will be monitored by NIRS.

OTHERExercise test in MRI

Exercise will be performed on a custom-built magnetic resonance-compatible cycle ergometer in supine position for determination of muscle phosphocreatine recovery kinetics using 31phosphorous magnetic resonance spectroscopy \[31P-MRS\].

PROCEDUREMuscle biopsy

A muscle biopsy will be obtained from the vastus lateralis using a modified Bergström needle technique with suction.