Loughborough

Researchers are investigating the effects of a high-fat mixed meal containing a whey protein-enriched milk fat globule membrane MFGM supplement on heart and brain health markers in middle-to-older-aged, postmenopausal women who are overweight and at moderate risk for cardiovascular disease. This randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study aims to understand how this specific nutritional ingredient influences post-meal responses related to cardiovascular and cognitive health. Participants will attend two approximately 8-hour visits. During each visit, they will consume a high-fat meal containing about 75 grams of refined palm oil fat supplemented either with a whey protein-enriched MFGM powdered ingredient or a placebo whey protein-based powdered ingredient without MFGM. The meals are matched for energy and protein content and given in random order with a washout period of at least 21 days between visits. During each visit, researchers will take body measurements and periodically assess heart health through blood pressure and blood vessel stiffness tests. Blood samples will be collected at multiple time points before and after the meal, over a 6-hour period, to measure changes in blood fats, glucose, insulin, and inflammatory markers. Participants will also complete computer-based tests to assess mood and cognitive function. The study will monitor how the supplement affects these heart and brain health markers in the hours following a meal.

Researchers are evaluating the effects of combining collagen peptides and omega-3 dietary supplements on various health and wellbeing aspects in healthy middle-aged women aged 35 to 65. The study focuses on symptoms that become more problematic with age, such as joint pain, fatigue, sleep quality, body composition, strength, inflammation, and cognitive function. This trial is randomized and triple-blinded to compare the supplement combination against a placebo over an 8-week period. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either collagen peptides 10 gday plus omega-3 capsules 2 per day or a placebo of maltodextrin 10 gday plus empty capsules for 8 weeks. Before starting supplementation, participants attend a familiarization visit for consent and practice cognitive tests. They complete food diaries and questionnaires assessing physical activity, quality of life, sleep, menstrualmenopause status, and other symptoms. Body measurements, blood pressure, handgrip strength, and blood samples are collected at baseline and after 8 weeks. Throughout the study, participants track supplement intake and maintain their usual diet and activity levels. Assessments include joint pain, fatigue, gastrointestinal comfort, cognitive function tests, inflammation markers, body composition, and fatty acid blood profile. Researchers will analyze changes from before to after supplementation to understand the supplements impact. The whole study duration for each participant is about 8 weeks, with visits at the start and end of supplementation.

This research aims to evaluate the effects of combining dietary supplements on various health and wellbeing aspects in healthy middle-aged women aged 35 to 65. It focuses on common issues such as joint pain, fatigue, sleep quality, body composition changes, strength, and inflammation. The study uses a randomized, triple-blind design to compare creatine monohydrate versus maltodextrin placebo over eight weeks. Participants will be randomly assigned to take either creatine about 6 grams per day or a placebo maltodextrin supplement about 10 grams per day daily for eight weeks. Before starting supplementation, participants complete familiarization visits involving cognitive tests, food diaries, and questionnaires assessing physical activity, quality of life, sleep, menstrual or menopause symptoms. Physical measures including body composition, blood pressure, handgrip strength, and blood samples for inflammation and joint health markers are collected. After eight weeks of supplementation, assessments are repeated in a final visit. Throughout the study, participants track supplement intake and maintain diet and activity levels. Researchers assess cognitive function as the primary outcome, along with body composition, muscle strength, blood pressure, fatigue, sleep quality, quality of life, gastrointestinal comfort, joint pain, and menopause symptoms. The study includes detailed questionnaires, physical measures, and blood tests before and after supplementation to monitor changes. The total participation duration spans about eight weeks following initial assessments.

Researchers are exploring whether a 12-week daily supplement containing milk fat globule membrane, called bioactive whey protein concentrate, can improve muscle strength and power more than a placebo in healthy, recreationally active adults. The study also aims to understand if these effects differ between younger adults 18-30 years and older adults 60-75 years. This trial uses a randomized, double-blind design to assess neuromuscular function, morphology, and physiology in these age groups. Participants will be assigned to consume either the bioactive whey protein concentrate supplement or an isocaloric, isonitrogenous whey protein isolate placebo daily for 12 weeks, mixing one scoop with water and taking it with breakfast. The study includes a 2-week baseline period with familiarization and pre-measurements followed by the 12-week supplementation and then two post-supplementation measurement sessions within days 84 to 88. Both supplements are matched for calories and protein content but differ in milk fat globule membrane content. Participants will attend five laboratory sessions, including familiarization, baseline, and post-supplementation assessments involving various muscle function tests using force plates, dynamometers, nerve stimulation, and electromyography. MRI scans of the lower limbs will measure muscle size and composition. Dietary intake and physical activity will be tracked during the study. The main outcome is maximal voluntary isometric torque of the knee extensors after 12 weeks, with several secondary measures of muscle performance, activation, and morphology also assessed. The total study duration per participant is approximately 14 weeks.

Researchers are evaluating the effects of a 12-week home-based aerobic exercise program on people living with axial spondyloarthritis axSpA who are receiving biologic medications. This randomized controlled trial aims to determine whether brisk walking can improve quality of life, reduce symptoms, and lower markers of immune-mediated inflammation. The study also compares data from axSpA patients with a healthy control group to better understand these effects. Participants in the exercise group will be asked to perform 30 minutes of brisk walking five days a week at a moderate intensity for 12 weeks, using a wrist-worn activity monitor to track heart rate and activity. They will visit the study site every four weeks for blood samples and questionnaires. The usual care group will continue their normal care routine and attend the same visits for assessments. Healthy controls will provide baseline comparisons. Throughout the study, researchers will monitor changes in spinal pain, disease activity, immune cell types, and various inflammatory markers at baseline and at weeks 4, 8, and 12. Additional assessments include quality of life, physical function, exercise capacity, body composition, symptom burden, work productivity, sleep quality, and medication adherence. The study will last 12 weeks, with regular evaluations to understand the impact of the exercise intervention.

Pain following musculoskeletal injury can limit recovery and reduce the number of military personnel fit for operations. This research aims to evaluate low load blood flow restriction BFR exercise as a method to reduce pain and improve rehabilitation outcomes in UK military patients with lower limb injuries. The study seeks to find the most effective BFR exercise protocol and understand the physiological reasons behind any pain relief it may provide. Participants will receive one of two BFR exercise protocols using a pneumatic tourniquet system placed on the thigh during lower limb strengthening exercises such as leg press and knee extensor exercises. One group will have the cuff inflated to 80% of limb occlusion pressure, and the other to 40%. Both protocols involve four sets of specific repetitions at 20% of one repetition maximum. These interventions are combined with standard residential rehabilitation including group and individual exercise therapy, education sessions, and one-on-one support from various healthcare professionals. During the study, participants will be assessed using various pain and function measurements before, during, and after the intervention, including the Brief Pain Inventory and Pressure Pain Threshold Testing. Other evaluations include strength tests, disability scores, wellbeing questionnaires, and pain ratings tracked daily. This detailed monitoring will help researchers measure pain changes, physical improvements, and the safety of BFR exercise. Participation lasts through the intervention and follow-up assessments over several days.