RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Human Skeletal Muscle Response to 5 Days of Bedrest in Young Adults

This study investigates how lying in bed for just 5 days affects muscles and how the body uses energy in healthy young adults. We're looking at changes in muscle size, strength, and how tired muscles get. We also want to see how the body's ability to use sugar (insulin sensitivity) changes, and what happens at a tiny level inside muscle cells. Understanding these changes can help us better treat muscle loss and recovery in people who are unwell or injured and have to stay in bed.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Queen's University

Enrolment target

Start

01 Sep 2025

Estimated completion

01 Jun 2027

Muscular Atrophy Insulin Resistance Muscle Protein Synthesis

What is this study about?

When people are ill or injured, they often have to spend time resting in bed. Even short periods of bed rest can cause muscles to get weaker and smaller. This study aims to understand exactly how a short period of bed rest – just five days – affects the muscles and overall health of healthy young adults. We want to see how much muscle size and strength decrease, and how this affects daily activities.

Beyond just muscle size, we're also interested in how the body uses energy, specifically sugar. Muscles play a big role in keeping your blood sugar levels healthy. So, we'll be looking to see if bed rest makes it harder for the body to use sugar properly, which is something called insulin resistance. We're also observing very tiny changes within the muscle cells to understand why these changes happen.

The findings from this study are really important because they will help doctors and researchers better understand the effects of bed rest on the body. This knowledge could lead to better ways to help people who are recovering from illness or injury to keep their muscles strong and stay healthy, even when they can't move around much.

Key takeaways

The study looks at muscle changes during 5 days of bed rest.
It aims to understand muscle volume, strength, and fatigue.
It also examines how the body uses sugar (insulin sensitivity).
Healthy young adults, aged 18-30, are needed.
Participation involves blood tests, muscle biopsies, and imaging.
The goal is to improve care for people with muscle loss.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for healthy young adults to take part. This means you should be between 18 and 30 years old, and your weight should be within a healthy range for your height (your BMI should be between 18.5 and 28).

There are certain health conditions that would prevent you from joining. For example, if you have diabetes that requires insulin, or any heart, lung, or metabolic diseases, you wouldn't be able to participate. Also, if you're taking any medications that might affect your muscles, or if you have certain metal implants in your body (like a pacemaker or artificial joints), you wouldn't be eligible. Women who are pregnant or might be pregnant also cannot take part.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 30 years old?
Is your weight generally considered healthy for your height?
Are you generally healthy with no major medical conditions?
Do you avoid medications that might affect your muscles?
Do you not have any metal implants in your body?
Are you not pregnant or trying to get pregnant?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you will go through several tests both before and after a normal period where you live your life as usual, and then again before and after spending 5 days completely resting in bed. During the bed rest period, you must stay lying flat in bed at all times.

The tests involve several visits and include brain scans to look at your thigh muscles, strength tests for your thigh muscles, and tests to see how your body handles sugar after a meal. You will also have small samples taken from your thigh muscles (called a muscle biopsy) and blood samples. The total duration of your involvement will include these testing periods plus the 5 days of bed rest and a control period.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could help us learn more about how bed rest affects the body, which might benefit future patients. The study involves some procedures like muscle biopsies and blood tests, which carry small risks like bruising, discomfort, or a slight chance of infection. Spending 5 days in bed might lead to temporary muscle weakness. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and it will not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

Queen's Univeristy
Verified postcode
Kingston, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is the main goal of this study?

The main goal is to understand how lying in bed for a short time affects your muscles and how your body uses energy, especially sugar.

Who can take part in this study?

We are looking for healthy young adults, aged 18-30, who are not on certain medications and do not have specific health conditions.

What does a 'muscle biopsy' involve?

A muscle biopsy is a minor procedure where a very small sample of muscle is taken from your thigh, usually through a small cut under local anaesthetic.

How long do I need to stay in bed?

You will need to stay in bed, lying flat, for 5 continuous days as part of the study.

Will I get paid for taking part?

The information provided does not specify payment. You should ask the study team directly about any compensation you might receive.

How to find out more

Chris McGlory, PhD.

chris.mcglory@queensu.ca 6135336000 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.