The Effect of Micro-doses Erytropoietin on Exercise Capacity in Male and Females

Plasma and Exosome Proteomic Changes Associated With Augmented Erythropoiesis and Muscle Contractions.

Status

UNKNOWN

Phases

Study type

Interventional

Source

ClinicalTrials.gov

Registry ID

NCT04965961

Enrollment

Registered

2021-07-16

Start date

2019-08-28

Completion date

2024-01-31

Last updated

2023-11-29

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Sports Drug Abuse

Keywords

erythropoeitin, doping

Brief summary

Recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) regimen enhances maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), but the effect of micro-doses on maximal and submaximal performance is not clear and detection of micro-doses is difficult with current methods. This study investigated whether micro-doses of rHuEPO enhances maximal and endurance performance in males and females.

Detailed description

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design, 48 trained adults (24 females, 24 males) receive either recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO; epoetin-β, 9 IU/kg, n = 24, (12 females, 12 males)) or placebo (0,9% NaCl, n = 24, (12 females, 12 males)) three times per week for four weeks. Before the intervention, time trial performance and maximal oxygen uptake will be assessed. Three and five days after the last injection, time trial performance and maximal oxygen uptake will be determined to assess the effect of the rHuEPO administration. In addition, total hemoglobin mass and intravascular volumes will be determined via the carbon monoxide rebreathing method in duplicate measures.

Interventions

DRUGEPO

Please refer to the arm description

OTHERControl group - saline injection

Please refer to the arm description

Study design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Intervention model

PARALLEL

Primary purpose

OTHER

Masking

DOUBLE (Subject, Investigator)

Masking description

An algorithm was created using randomizer.org

Intervention model description

Explorative

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

ALL

Age

18 Years to 45 Years

Healthy volunteers

Inclusion criteria

* Relative maximum oxygen uptake (VO2-max) of at least 50 ml O2/min/kg for male participants and 45 ml O2/min/kg for female participants

Exclusion criteria

* Age * Insufficient fitness level * Blood donation 3 months prior to enrollment * Altitude exposure 2 months before enrollment * Hypertension

Design outcomes

Primary

Measure	Time frame	Description
Change in maximal oxygen uptake	Change from baseline to 5 days after last injection	Change from baseline maximal aerobic capacity 5 days after last injection. Measured via an exhaustive incremental cycle ergometer test.
Change in time trial performance	Change from baseline to 3 days after last injection	Change from baseline endurance exercise performance 3 days after last injection. Measured via a preloaded 400 kcal time-trial.
Change in total hemoglobin mass	Change from baseline to 3 days after last injection	Change from baseline total hemoglobin mass 3 days after last injection. Measured by the carbon monoxide rebreathing method.

Countries

Denmark

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026