Investigating the Role of Mechanical Muscle Loading in Preventive Exercise for Statin Users - a Pilot Study

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating how different types and intensities of exercise affect muscle recovery in people taking statin medications compared to healthy individuals not using statins. The study aims to understand muscle-related side effects linked to statins, especially when combined with physical activity, to help create safer exercise guidelines for statin users. This is a non-randomized, dose-escalation trial comparing statin users with matched controls based on age, sex, and body mass index. Participants will undergo a stepwise exercise program starting with aerobic cycling for 40 minutes at 60% heart rate reserve, followed by resistance training at increasing intensities of 40%, 60%, and 80% of an estimated one-repetition maximum. Resistance training includes eight machine-based exercises with repetitions decreasing as intensity rises. Each intensity phase consists of two sessions separated by a 5 to 21-day rest period, with all sessions supervised for safety and proper technique. During the study, participants will have medical screening and baseline tests including blood samples and pain assessments. Before and after each exercise session, muscle damage markers, pain thresholds, heart rate, blood lactate, and perceived exertion will be recorded. Participants will also complete daily questionnaires on muscle symptoms and recovery needs. The main measure is the change in blood creatine kinase levels 24 hours after exercise, with study duration per participant under four months.

Exercise Intensity and Muscle Recovery in Statin Users