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Dietary Protein for Muscle Disuse

This study is investigating how different amounts of whey protein affect muscle when one leg is immobilized (kept still). Researchers want to see if 20 grams or 40 grams of whey protein can help prevent muscle loss that often happens after injuries, which they call "disuse atrophy." They will measure how well muscles build protein after eating. You may be able to join if you are a healthy man or woman between 17 and 39 years old, exercise regularly, and have a BMI between 18.5 and 32. The study aims to enroll 28 participants, but its current status is unclear.

Study design
This is a randomized, double-blind study involving healthy, recreationally active men and women. Approximately 28 participants will be assigned to receive either 20 grams or 40 grams of whey protein.
What's involved
You will have one leg immobilized for five days using a brace and crutches. At the end of this period, you will participate in a protein feeding study involving stable isotope infusions, blood draws, and muscle biopsies.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Muscle protein synthesis will be measured after 5 days of muscle disuse.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT07069426

Muscle Response to Different Amounts of Dietary Protein During Leg Immobilization

Recruiting
NAAges 17–39InterventionalBasic science
United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine
~28 participants
Updated 2025-09-11 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:20 grams protein40 grams protein

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Rates of postabsorptive and postprandial muscle protein synthesis assessed using 2H5-Phenylalanine stable isotope methodologies.
Measured over After 5 days of muscle disuse

Conditions

Muscle Disuse
Muscle Disuse Atrophy

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NCT07069426

Where you'd take part

This study runs at 1 site. They're the same protocol — you choose where, and that choice sets who your contact draft is addressed to.

  • US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine

    Natick, Massachusettsstudy coordinator listed

    Recruiting

Sites open and close at different times, so the status above is per site — it can differ from the study's overall status.

Who to contact

Emily E Howard, PhD
[email protected]
508-206-2309
Email the study team

Opens a ready-to-send draft in your own email app — review before sending.

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Men and women aged 18-39 years (17-39 years if military personnel)
Body mass index (BMI) between 18.5-32 kg/m2
Routinely participate in aerobic and/or resistance exercise at least 2 days per week.
Willing to refrain from alcohol, smoking, smokeless nicotine products (includes e-cigarettes, vaping, chewing tobacco), and dietary supplements (i.e., vitamin D, probiotics) 24 hours before and during immobilization and final testing day.
Willing to only consume caffeine products provided by study staff during the study.
Supervisor approval for federal civilian employees and non-SRV active-duty military personnel stationed at NSSC.
Biological females must have normal menstrual cycles between 26-32 days in duration; 5 menstrual cycles within the past 6 months; or on continuous hormonal contraception (i.e., IUD or oral contraceptives without placebo).

Exclusion

Musculoskeletal injuries that may interfere with the safe use of crutches.
Personal or family history of thrombosis, or prior diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE).
Metabolic or cardiovascular abnormalities, gastrointestinal disorders, neuromuscular disorders, lower-limb amputation, or muscle/bone wasting disorders (e.g., diabetes, cardiovascular disease, Crohn's disease, etc.).
Taking medication that affects macronutrient utilization (i.e., statins, corticosteroids, weight loss medications such as Ozempic, etc.).
Significantly abnormal blood clotting as determined by USARIEM Office of Medical Oversight (OMSO) or home duty station medical support (HMS).
Allergy to lidocaine (or similar local anesthetic).
Present condition of alcoholism, anabolic steroid use, or other substance abuse issues as determined by OMSO or HMS.
Blood donation within 8-wk of beginning the study.
Pregnant, trying to become pregnant, and/or breastfeeding (results of urine pregnancy test and self-report for breastfeeding will be obtained before body composition testing).
Unwilling or unable to consume study diets or foods provided due to personal preference and/or food allergies.
Unwilling or unable to adhere to study physical restrictions (i.e., no structured physical activity or recreational activity beyond activities of daily living) 24 hours before and during immobilization, and the final testing day.
Unwilling or unable to keep the knee brace on and walk with crutches during the immobilization phase.

What this trial measures

  • Rates of postabsorptive and postprandial muscle protein synthesis assessed using 2H5-Phenylalanine stable isotope methodologies.After 5 days of muscle disuse

    Postabsorptive and postprandial muscle protein synthesis in response to 20 or 40 g of whey protein determined using 2H5-Phenylalanine stable isotope methodologies and expressed as fractional synthetic rate (FSR).