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Published in: Trials 1/2017

Open Access 01-12-2017 | Study protocol

Metformin to Augment Strength Training Effective Response in Seniors (MASTERS): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Authors: Doug E. Long, Bailey D. Peck, Jenny L. Martz, S. Craig Tuggle, Heather M. Bush, Gerald McGwin, Philip A. Kern, Marcas M. Bamman, Charlotte A. Peterson

Published in: Trials | Issue 1/2017

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Abstract

Background

Muscle mass and strength are strong determinants of a person’s quality of life and functional independence with advancing age. While resistance training is the most effective intervention to combat age-associated muscle atrophy (sarcopenia), the ability of older adults to increase muscle mass and strength in response to training is blunted and highly variable. Thus, finding novel ways to complement resistance training to improve muscle response and ultimately quality of life among older individuals is critical. The purpose of this study is to determine whether a commonly prescribed medication called metformin can be repurposed to improve the response to resistance exercise training by altering the muscle tissue inflammatory environment.

Methods/design

Individuals aged 65 and older are participating in a two-site, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial testing the effects of metformin or placebo on muscle size, strength, and physical function when combined with a progressive resistance training program. Participants consume 1700 mg of metformin per day or placebo for 2 weeks before engaging in a 14-week progressive resistance training regimen, with continued metformin or placebo. Participants are then monitored post-training to determine if the group taking metformin derived greater overall benefit from training in terms of muscle mass and strength gains than those on placebo. Muscle biopsies are taken from the vastus lateralis at three time points to assess individual cellular and molecular adaptations to resistance training and also changes in response to metformin.

Discussion

The response of aged muscles to a resistance training program does not always result in a positive outcome; some individuals even experience a loss in muscle mass following resistance training. Thus, adjuvant therapies, including pharmacological ones, are required to optimize response to training in those who do not respond and may be at increased risk of frailty. This is the first known metformin repurposing trial in non-diseased individuals, aimed specifically at the resistance exercise “non-responder” phenotype present in the aging population. The overall goal of this trial is to determine if combined exercise-metformin intervention therapy will benefit older individuals by promoting muscle hypertrophy and strength gains, thereby maintaining functional independence.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02308228. Registered on 25 November 2014.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Metformin to Augment Strength Training Effective Response in Seniors (MASTERS): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors
Doug E. Long
Bailey D. Peck
Jenny L. Martz
S. Craig Tuggle
Heather M. Bush
Gerald McGwin
Philip A. Kern
Marcas M. Bamman
Charlotte A. Peterson
Publication date
01-12-2017
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Trials / Issue 1/2017
Electronic ISSN: 1745-6215
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-017-1932-5

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