The Effect of Repeated Whole-body NMES Sessions With or Without Protein Intake on Muscle Protein Synthesis During 3 Days of Bed Rest in Healthy Young Volunteers
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
Wageningen University
42 participants
May 22, 2025
INTERVENTIONAL
Summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to examine the effect of whole-body electrostimulation with protein intake on muscle protein synthesis, muscle mass and function during bed rest in healthy young adults (18-35 years). The main questions to answer are: * Does whole-body NMES followed by protein intake improve muscle protein synthesis rates during 3 days of bed rest? * Does repeated NMES sessions offer protective effects on muscle mass and function during extended periods of inactivity? Researchers will compare sham electrical electrostimulation, electrical stimulation and electrical stimulation + protein groups to see if whole-body electrostimulation combined with protein intake offers the greatest improvement in muscle protein metabolism and muscle preservation. Participants will: * Undergo 3 days of bed rest while receiving one of the following interventions: * Sham-NMES followed by standard nutrition (CON) * Whole-body NMES followed by standard nutrition(NMES) * Whole-body NMES followed by a bolus of 20g protein (NMES+PRO) * Receive heavy water (D2O) to assess body water turnover. * Undergo leg extension exercises to assess muscle function. * Have quadriceps muscle thickness measured via ultrasound. * Provide saliva samples for analysis. * Have calf circumference measured to monitor changes in muscle mass.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria3
- Aged from 18-35 years
- 5 < BMI < 30 kg·m2
- Recreationally active (performing non-competitive physical exercise at least one time per week for minimally 30 minutes)
Exclusion Criteria21
- 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
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Interventions
A placebo treatment in which no actual electrical stimulation is delivered, serving as a control for the active NMES.
Active neuromuscular electrical stimulation applied to the entire body to induce muscle contractions through small electric currents.
A bolus dose of 20 grams of protein provided after the NMES intervention to assess the combined effect of muscle stimulation and protein intake on muscle protein metabolism.
Provision of a normal Western standardized diet.
Locations(1)
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NCT07062562