Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Muscle Function and Health
ConditionHealthy
Trial statusNot yet recruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age20-45
SponsorEuropean University Cyprus
About this trial
This study aims to investigate the effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on muscle performance, neuromuscular function, inflammation, and oxidative stress at rest and after eccentric exercise. The findings may provide insights into the role of omega-3 fatty acids in muscle function, physiology, and metabolism following muscle-damaging exercise. Additionally, the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on cardiovascular health will be investigated.
Eligibility criteria
This trial accepts healthy volunteersQualifiers
Body Mass Index (BMI) within the normal range (18.5-25 kg/m²).
Healthy individuals without severe medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, coronary artery disease, hypertension, neuromuscular disorders).
No musculoskeletal injury in the lower limbs (e.g., bone fracture, tendon rupture, grade III muscle strain) within the last 6 months before enrollment.
Negative responses to all questions on the PAR-Q questionnaire indicating no contraindications to participating in exercise testing.
Disqualifiers
Use of any pharmaceutical medications (e.g., statins, aspirin, ibuprofen).
Use of dietary supplements (e.g., protein, vitamins) within the last 3 months before enrollment.
Participation in a structured training program involving more than three training sessions per week during the study period.
Following a special diet (e.g., intermittent fasting, ketogenic diet, vegetarian diet).
Trial design
Design model
Parallel
Treatments tested in this trial
Omega-3
Dietary supplementParticipants will take three capsules per day (a total of 1,500 mg EPA and 750 mg DHA). They will take 1 g with each main meal (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
Placebo comparator
Dietary supplementParticipants will take 3 g of olive oil. They will take 1 g with each main meal (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
Treatment groups
32 Participants
are divided into 2 treatment groupsGroup A: Omega-3Experimental treatment 1 intervention
Group B: PlaceboPlacebo comparator 1 intervention
Trial outcomes
Primary outcomes
1
Muscle Strength
Muscle strength of the knee extensors will be measured using an isokinetic dynamometer during maximal voluntary contractions. The unit of measure is Newton-meters (Nm).
Time frame
Changes in muscle strength after the first bout (week 0) and the second bout of exercise (week 12) from baseline (immediately before each bout) and at day 2 and day 4 after each exercise bout.2
Maximal Oxygen Uptake (VO₂ max)
VO₂ max will be assessed during a graded exercise test on a cycle ergometer. The measure unit is milliliters per kilogram of body mass per minute (ml/kg/min).
Time frame
Changes in VO₂ max after the first bout (week 0) and the second bout of exercise (week 12) from baseline (immediately before each bout) and at day 2 and day 4 after each exercise bout.3
Muscle Fatigue Index (MFI)
MFI will be calculated as the percentage decline (%) in peak torque across a series of repeated maximal contractions of the knee extensor muscles on an isokinetic dynamometer.
Time frame
Changes in MFI after the first bout (week 0) and the second bout of exercise (week 12) from baseline (immediately before each bout) and at day 2 and day 4 after each exercise bout.4
Muscle Oxygenation
Muscle oxygenation will be measured in the vastus lateralis using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Parameters include oxyhemoglobin (O₂Hb), deoxyhemoglobin (HHb), and total hemoglobin levels, which will be expressed in arbitrary units (AU).
Time frame
Changes in muscle oxygenation after the first bout (week 0) and the second bout of exercise (week 12) from baseline (immediately before each bout) and at day 2 and day 4 after each exercise bout.Secondary outcomes
1
Omega-3 Index
The Omega-3 Index will be assessed as a biomarker of long-chain omega-3 fatty acid status. It is defined as the combined percentage (%) of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in red blood cell (RBC) membranes, expressed as a proportion of total identified fatty acids. Blood samples will be collected following an overnight fast, and red blood cells will be isolated for fatty acid analysis. EPA and DHA levels will be quantified via gas chromatography, and the Omega-3 Index will be reported as a percentage (%).
Time frame
Change in omega-3 index in red blood cells from baseline (immediately before supplementation) to 12 weeks after the supplementation period.2
Rate of Force Development (RFD).
RFD will be calculated as the slope of the torque-time curve during the early phase of voluntary contraction. It will be measured in Newton-meters per second (Nm/s).
Time frame
Change in RFD after the first bout (week 0) and the second bout of exercise (week 12) from baseline (immediately before each bout) and at day 2 and day 4 after each exercise bout.3
Electromechanical Delay (EMD)
EMD will be defined as the time lag between the onset of electrical activity (via surface EMG) and the onset of force production, measured in milliseconds (ms).
Time frame
Change in EMD after the first bout (week 0) and the second bout of exercise (week 12) from baseline (immediately before each bout) and at day 2 and day 4 after each exercise bout.4
Force Matching Error (FME)
FME will be assessed during a submaximal isometric contraction using an isokinetic dynamometer and expressed as the percentage difference between the target and produced force (%).
Time frame
Change in FME after the first bout (week 0) and the second bout of exercise (week 12) from baseline (immediately before each bout) and at day 2 and day 4 after each exercise bout.Sponsors and contacts
Click on the lead sponsor to view all of their trials.
Source ClinicalTrials.gov
This trial is not recruiting at the moment. You can still explore other options: