Bone and Muscle Oxygenation in Military Test Pilots

This prospective, single-group interventional pilot study will evaluate the effects of a 12-week resistance and core stabilization exercise program on bone mineral density and resting muscle oxygenation in male military test pilots with low baseline bone mineral density. Participants will complete a supervised exercise program five days per week for 12 weeks while continuing their routine flight duties. Bone mineral density will be assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and resting muscle oxygenation will be evaluated in the vastus lateralis and rectus abdominis using near-infrared spectroscopy before and after the intervention. The study aims to characterize preliminary skeletal and muscle oxygenation responses to structured exercise in this specialized aviation population.

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Key information

Conditions

Low Bone Mineral Density Bone Diseases Bone Diseases, Metabolic Metabolic Diseases Muscle Oxygenation Musculoskeletal Diseases Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases

Age range

18 year–50 year

Sex eligibility

Male

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

Male military test pilots with previous military aviation experience Low bone mineral density identified by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) Regular participation in flight duties Medical fitness to participate in regular exercise training Willingness to participate in the 12-week supervised resistance and core stabilization exercise program Ability to provide written informed consent

Exclusion criteria

Acute musculoskeletal injury Recent orthopedic surgery Neurological disorder Cardiovascular disease Any medical condition that limits participation in physical exercise Subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness greater than 17.5 mm at the NIRS measurement site

Treatment and study plan

Supervised Resistance and Core Stabilization Exercise Program

Behavioral

Participants will undergo a 12-week physiotherapist-supervised resistance and core stabilization exercise program performed five days per week for approximately 120 minutes per session. The program will progress through three phases: adaptation (weeks 1-4, approximately 60% of one-repetition maximum [1RM]), strength development (weeks 5-8, 70-75% 1RM), and high-load neuromuscular control (weeks 9-12, 80-85% 1RM). The intervention will include multi-joint lower-extremity exercises (squat and deadlift), core stabilization exercises (plank, side plank, bird-dog, dead bug, and posterior pelvic tilt), and posterior-chain exercises (lunges, hip thrusts, and back extensions). Exercise tempo and rest intervals will be standardized, and training loads will be individually adjusted according to participant performance and tolerance

Primary outcomes

Change in Bone Mineral Density

Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks

BMD will be assessed by DXA at lumbar spine and proximal femoral sites and recorded in g/cm². Change from baseline to 12 weeks will be evaluated.

Time Frame: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in Resting Muscle Oxygen Saturation (SmO₂)

Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks

Resting muscle oxygen saturation will be measured using NIRS in the vastus lateralis and rectus abdominis and reported as percentage (%). Change from baseline to 12 weeks will be evaluated.
Change in Total Haemoglobin (tHb)

Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks

Resting total haemoglobin concentration will be measured using NIRS in the vastus lateralis and rectus abdominis and reported in μM. Change from baseline to 12 weeks will be evaluated.
Change in Oxyhaemoglobin (O₂Hb)

Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks

Resting oxyhaemoglobin concentration will be measured using NIRS in the vastus lateralis and rectus abdominis and reported in μM. Change from baseline to 12 weeks will be evaluated.
Change in Deoxyhaemoglobin (HHb)

Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks

Resting deoxyhaemoglobin concentration will be measured using NIRS in the vastus lateralis and rectus abdominis and reported in μM. Change from baseline to 12 weeks will be evaluated.
Change in Haemoglobin Difference (HbDiff)

Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks

Resting haemoglobin difference will be derived from NIRS measurements in the vastus lateralis and rectus abdominis and reported in μM. Change from baseline to 12 weeks will be evaluated.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Emine Merve ERSEVER, DR

CONTACT

[email protected]

0905074515481

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Emine Merve Ersever

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Bone Mineral Density and Resting Muscle Oxygenation Responses to a 12-Week Resistance and Core Stabilization Program in Military Test Pilots: Preliminary Findings

Acronym: BMO-MTP

Important dates

Study start: 2026
Primary completion: 2026
Study completion: 2027
First posted: Aug 26, 2026
Registry last updated: Aug 26, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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