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Completed

NCT Number: NCT05115643

Brain and Muscle Plasticity During Immobilization

Patients in rehabilitation may undergo periods of prolonged limb immobilization in response to injury, surgery, or illness. Due to disuse, the size and strength of muscles controlling the affected limb can decrease significantly, possibly resulting in physical impairment or lower quality of life during the recovery phase. Prior immobilization studies have shown that the rate and degree of decline in muscle strength exceeds that of muscle size, indicating that determinants of muscle strength unrelated to muscle size may further contribute to functional changes during immobilization.

The purpose of this study is to describe the changes in muscle strength, muscle size, corticospinal excitability, voluntary activation, M1 cortical thickness, and resting state functional connectivity following a 2-week limb immobilization period in young women.

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Key information

Conditions

Muscle Atrophy Atrophy Muscular Atrophy Nervous System Diseases Neurologic Manifestations Neuromuscular Manifestations Pathological Conditions, Anatomical Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

18 year–35 year

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Exercise Metabolism and Nutrition Research Laboratory

Montreal, Quebec, H2W 1S4, Canada

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Biologically female
  • Right-hand dominant
  • Body mass index between 18.5-30 kg/m^2 (inclusive)
  • Regular menstrual cycle
  • Be able to maintain a habitual diet throughout the duration of the study

Exclusion criteria

  • Use of tobacco
  • Pregnancy
  • A history of brain trauma
  • Suffers from a neurological disease or movement disorder
  • Peripheral nerve damage
  • Use of medications known to affect protein metabolism (i.e., corticosteroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or prescription strength acne medications)
  • Diagnosed with or suspects having a psychiatric illness
  • Use of dietary supplements known to affect muscle size (i.e., creatine, fish oil)
  • Past or present diagnosis of an eating disorder by a physician or registered dietician
  • Possesses any metal implants (e.g. artificial joints, pacemakers, stents) or non-removeable medical devices that are contraindicative for magnetic resonance imaging (e.g. insulin pumps)

Treatment and study plan

immobilization

Behavioral

Immobilization of left arm using a brace and sling.

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in isometric elbow flexion and extension peak torque, both arms

    Time frame: Comparison between before and after 2 weeks of left arm immobilization

    Measured using an isokinetic dynamometer; peak torque during static contraction of the elbow flexors and extensors

  2. Change in isokinetic elbow flexion and extension peak torque, both arms

    Time frame: Comparison between before and after 2 weeks of left arm immobilization

    Measured using an isokinetic dynamometer; peak torque during dynamic contraction of the elbow flexors and extensors

  3. Change in cross-sectional area of the elbow flexor and extensor muscles, both arms

    Time frame: Comparison between before and after 2 weeks of left arm immobilization

    Obtained from magnetic resonance images of each arm

  4. Change in volume of the elbow flexor and extensor muscles, both arms

    Time frame: Comparison between before and after 2 weeks of left arm immobilization

    Obtained from magnetic resonance images of each arm

  5. Voluntary activation of biceps brachii, both arms

    Time frame: Comparison between before and after 2 weeks of left arm immobilization

    Measured using peripheral nerve stimulation and an isokinetic dynamometer; estimation of the capacity to voluntarily activate the force-generating elements of the biceps brachii during maximal effort elbow flexion

  6. Change in corticospinal excitability of biceps brachii, both arms

    Time frame: Comparison between before immobilization and 24 hours of left arm immobilization, and before and after 2 weeks of left arm immobilization

    Measured using transcranial magnetic stimulation; estimation of the efficacy of the corticospinal tract to relay electrical signals to the biceps brachii muscle

Secondary outcomes

  1. Change in right and left primary motor cortex thickness

    Time frame: Comparison between before and after 2 weeks of left arm immobilization

    Obtained from magnetic resonance image of the brain

  2. Change in whole brain resting state functional connectivity

    Time frame: Comparison between before and after 2 weeks of left arm immobilization

    Obtained from magnetic resonance image of the brain

Other outcomes

  1. 2-day caloric and macronutrient intake, before immobilization

    Time frame: Measured during the 2-day period right before left arm immobilization

    Obtained using self-reported dietary intake records

  2. 2-day caloric and macronutrient intake, during immobilization

    Time frame: Measured during the last 2 days of left arm immobilization

    Obtained using self-reported dietary intake records

  3. Ovarian hormone concentrations (estradiol, progesterone)

    Time frame: Measured on day of left arm immobilization, before putting on the arm brace

    Obtained using blood samples

  4. Ovarian hormone concentrations (estradiol, progesterone)

    Time frame: Measured after 2 weeks of left arm immobilization

    Obtained using blood samples

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

McGill University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Examining Changes in Muscle Size and Strength, Neuromuscular Function, and Brain Plasticity During Limb Immobilization in Women

Important dates

Study start
2021
Primary completion
2022
Study completion
2022
First posted
Nov 10, 2021
Registry last updated
May 19, 2022

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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