Actively Recruiting
Effect of Dietary Nitrate on Immobilization-induced Changes in Skeletal Muscle in Young Healthy Men
Led by Indiana University · Updated on 2026-02-23
24
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are investigating how dietary nitrate supplementation might affect muscle loss and function caused by immobilization in young healthy men. This study focuses on muscle disuse, which leads to rapid decline in muscle size, strength, speed, power, and energy metabolism, contributing to reduced physical function. The study explores the role of nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, which decreases during disuse and may contribute to mitochondrial and muscle changes. Currently, no effective drugs exist to prevent muscle wasting from disuse. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either nitrate-rich beetroot juice or nitrate-free beetroot juice (placebo) for 14 days while wearing a knee brace to immobilize the leg. The trial uses a triple-blind design to compare the effects of dietary nitrate on muscle contractile function and mitochondrial respiratory capacity during this immobilization period. During the study, participants will undergo assessments of muscle mitochondrial function, strength, speed, and power after 14 days. Researchers will monitor changes in muscle performance and metabolic function related to immobilization and nitrate supplementation. The study includes healthy men aged 18 to 44 years who meet physical activity criteria and excludes those with certain medical conditions or medications. The total participation period is 14 days of immobilization with dietary intervention and outcome measurements.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Effect of Dietary Nitrate on Immobilization-induced Changes in Skeletal Muscle in Young Healthy Men
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Men age 18-44
- Above the minimum threshold of the IPAQ questionnaire
- Below the maximum threshold of the IPAQ questionnaire
You will not qualify if you...
- Men and women younger than 18 or older than 44 years
- Unable to provide informed consent
- Known clotting disorder
- Previous history of deep vein thrombosis
- Injury to either leg resulting in reduced mobility in the previous year
- Currently dieting or weight instability for the past 3 months
- Epileptic
- Pacemaker or other implantable heart device
- Currently taking antibiotics
- Current smoker
- Stage II hypertension (resting blood pressure greater than 140/90)
- Previously undergone a revascularization procedure involving a vascular graft or stenting of the femoral or popliteal arteries
- Taking phosphodiesterase inhibitors (e.g., Viagra), proton pump inhibitors, antacids, xanthine oxidase inhibitors, hormonal contraceptives, or hormone replacement therapy
- Any affirmative answer to the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) related to heart conditions, chest pain, dizziness, muscle/joint problems, prescribed drugs for blood pressure or heart condition, or other reasons not to do physical activity
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 14 days
Participants receive either nitrate-rich beetroot juice or nitrate-free placebo beetroot juice while undergoing limb immobilization to study effects on skeletal muscle.
Daily supplementation with beetroot juice during immobilization period
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, Indiana, United States, 46202
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
A
Andrew R Coggan, PhD
W
William S Zoughaib, BS
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
TRIPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Number of Arms
2
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