Oproep

SPRINT study: The effect of repeated sessions of electrical stimulation, with or without a protein bolus, on skeletal muscle protein synthesis

Critically ill intensive care unit (ICU) patients often experience rapid muscle loss due to physical inactivity caused by sedation and mechanical ventilation. This muscle wasting increases the risk of complications, slows recovery, and can lead to long-term weakness. The SPRINT study explores whether combining whole-body electrical stimulation—which mimics the effects of exercise—with a protein-rich nutritional boost can help stimulate muscle protein synthesis. Conducted in healthy volunteers, this study simulates ICU conditions to understand better how this innovative approach might help preserve muscle in vulnerable patients.

Project description

This study involves 3 days of bed rest in healthy young volunteers to test the
effects of electrical stimulation combined with protein intake on muscle
health. The goal is to understand how these interventions may help maintain
muscle mass and improve muscle function during periods of inactivity,
simulating conditions like those experienced by critically ill patients in the
ICU.

Who are we looking for?

  • We are looking for young healthy volunteers.

What's in it for you?

  • You will be provided with a controlled diet for 5 days.
  • Upon completion of the study, you will receive €400 in compensation, along with reimbursement for travel expenses if applicable

Who can participate?

You are eligible to participate in this study if you meet the following criteria:

• Men and women aged 18-35 years
• BMI between 18.5 and 30 kg/m2
• Recreationally active (performing non-competitive physical exercise at least once per week for minimally 30 minutes)



You are not eligible to participate in the study if any of the following criteria apply to you:

• Employed or undertaking a thesis or internship at the department of Human and Animal Physiology at Wageningen University
• Smoking
• Diabetes (Type 1, Type 2, or genetic form of diabetes)
• Any diagnosed cardiovascular (heart) disease or high blood pressure (≥140 mmHg systolic and/or ≥90 mmHg diastolic)
• Chronic use of any prescribed or over the counter pharmaceuticals (excluding oral contraceptives and contraceptive devices)
• Known allergy to lidocaine
• Prone to keloid forming (i.e. hyperplastic growth of scars)
• All co-morbidities interacting with mobility and muscle metabolism of the lower limbs (e.g. arthritis, spasticity/rigidity, all neurological disorders and paralysis)
• Regular use of dietary protein and/or amino acid supplements (>3 times per week)
• Currently involved in a structured progressive resistance training programme (>3 times per week)
• A personal or family history of thrombosis (clots), epilepsy, seizures, or schizophrenia
• Any previous motor disorders or disorders in muscle and/or lipid metabolism
• Any back, leg, knee, neck, shoulder or postural complaints
• Presence of an ulcer in the stomach or gut and/or strong history of indigestion
• Contra-indications for DXA scans (e.g. undergoing radiologic examination)
• Lactose intolerance
• Known severe kidney problems
• Pregnant or breastfeeding
• Unable to give consent

What does the study involve?

You will visit the university a total of 7 times. The visits include:

• Consent visit
• Pre-testing strength measurement visit
• Loading day for the oral tracer
• Pre-bed rest measurements (including muscle biopsy and venipuncture)
• 3 days of bed rest (including electrical stimulation, muscle biopsy, and blood sampling)
• 3-day post-bed rest measurements
• 6-week post-bed rest measurements

How to participate

Would you like to contribute to this important scientific research? Check if you fit the participant profile. If you’re interested, please send an email to lauryn.domingos@wur.nl or contact Lauryn Domingos at +31645661495.