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
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
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:
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:
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.
Patients admitted to the hospital often experience prolonged bed rest, which can lead to rapid muscle loss and weakness. In the intensive care unit (ICU), this condition, known as ICU-acquired weakness (ICU-AW), affects up to 50% of patients and can lead to longer mechanical ventilation times, increased morbidity, and a reduced quality of life after hospital discharge. One of the key reasons for muscle loss during bed rest is an impaired response to dietary protein, which normally helps maintain muscle mass.
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is a method that uses small electrical currents to stimulate muscle contractions, potentially counteracting muscle loss during periods of inactivity. Previous research has shown that NMES applied to the quadriceps muscles can reduce muscle loss in sedated patients and improve muscle protein synthesis in individuals with type 2 diabetes. However, the effects of whole-body NMES in combination with timed protein intake on muscle protein metabolism during bed rest are still unknown.
This study aims to investigate the impact of both a single session and repeated sessions of whole-body NMES, with or without subsequent protein intake, on muscle protein synthesis rates, muscle mass, and function during 3 days of bed rest in healthy young adults.
Study Design:
This is a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial with three parallel groups. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of the following groups:
Study Procedures:
Participants will be healthy adults (18-35 years, male and female) and will undergo the following procedures:
This study will provide critical insights into how NMES and protein intake can help counteract muscle loss and weakness during hospitalization and may contribute to the development of more effective rehabilitation strategies for ICU and bedridden patients.
Inclusion Criteria:
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)
marlou.dirks@wur.nl+31 317 480 100