Electrical Stimulation for Sarcopenia
(microG Trial)

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen byPaul Coen, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: Translational Research Institute for Metabolism and Diabetes, Florida

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?The purpose of this study is to evaluate the changes of muscle, in microgravity. Which will help explain the health benefits of exercise. There are tests that can be done to tell researchers more about the human body, such as a dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan, which measures body composition (fat and lean body mass). The use of muscle testing and a Handgrip test can tell us about the strength and power within an individual's muscles. A VO2 max test helps us understand the aerobic fitness level of an individual and one of the most important aspects of this study are muscle cells. A muscle biopsy allows us to obtain muscle cells from the thigh, which will be sent into space by a rocket. Researchers will study these muscle cells in a low gravity environment aboard the International Space Station. Studying the muscle cells under those conditions will potentially mimic an accelerated aging process, which will help researchers better understand muscle wasting in the elderly.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for healthy adults aged 20-40 or 60-80 with a BMI under 30, able to consent and follow the study protocol. Excluded are those actively changing their lifestyle for weight loss, with severe uncontrolled symptoms like diarrhea, high/low blood pressure, recent surgery or hospitalization, infectious diseases (e.g., HIV), pregnant/lactating women postpartum within 6 weeks, tobacco users in the last three months, diabetics or those with clotting disorders.

Inclusion Criteria

I am willing to follow the study's rules and complete all required forms.

You weigh less than 30 kilograms for every square meter of your height.

I have signed the consent form and agreed to share my health information for this study.

+1 more

Exclusion Criteria

I have a history of blood clots or a condition that increases my risk for clots.

My liver function is significantly impaired, or my liver tests are more than 2.5 times the normal limit.

You have had an amputation or use a partial or full artificial limb.

+19 more

Participant Groups

The study tests how muscle cells from thigh biopsies behave in microgravity aboard the International Space Station. It aims to simulate accelerated aging and understand muscle wasting. Participants undergo body composition scans (DEXA), strength tests (Handgrip test), aerobic fitness assessments (VO2 max test), and provide muscle tissue samples.

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Young adultsExperimental Treatment2 Interventions

Obtain muscle biopsy specimens from young adults (ages 20-40) to develop a millifluidic chip for electrical stimulation of human primary muscle cell hydrogel cultures.

Group II: Older adultsExperimental Treatment2 Interventions

Obtain muscle biopsy specimens from older adults (ages 60-80) to develop a millifluidic chip for electrical stimulation of human primary muscle cell hydrogel cultures.