Low Bone Mineral Density, Muscle Oxygenation
Conditions
Keywords
Military aviation, Low bone mineral density, Near-infrared spectroscopy, Muscle oxygenation, Resistance training
Brief summary
This prospective, single-group interventional pilot study will evaluate the effects of a 12-week resistance and core stabilization exercise program on bone mineral density and resting muscle oxygenation in male military test pilots with low baseline bone mineral density. Participants will complete a supervised exercise program five days per week for 12 weeks while continuing their routine flight duties. Bone mineral density will be assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and resting muscle oxygenation will be evaluated in the vastus lateralis and rectus abdominis using near-infrared spectroscopy before and after the intervention. The study aims to characterize preliminary skeletal and muscle oxygenation responses to structured exercise in this specialized aviation population.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALSupervised Resistance and Core Stabilization Exercise Program
Participants will undergo a 12-week physiotherapist-supervised resistance and core stabilization exercise program performed five days per week for approximately 120 minutes per session. The program will progress through three phases: adaptation (weeks 1-4, approximately 60% of one-repetition maximum \[1RM\]), strength development (weeks 5-8, 70-75% 1RM), and high-load neuromuscular control (weeks 9-12, 80-85% 1RM). The intervention will include multi-joint lower-extremity exercises (squat and deadlift), core stabilization exercises (plank, side plank, bird-dog, dead bug, and posterior pelvic tilt), and posterior-chain exercises (lunges, hip thrusts, and back extensions). Exercise tempo and rest intervals will be standardized, and training loads will be individually adjusted according to participant performance and tolerance
Sponsors
Emine Merve Ersever
Study design
Allocation
NA
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Intervention model description
All participants will receive the same 12-week supervised resistance and core stabilization exercise program. Outcomes will be assessed before and after the intervention, with no parallel control or comparison group.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
MALE
Age
18 Years to 50 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
Male military test pilots with previous military aviation experience Low bone mineral density identified by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) Regular participation in flight duties Medical fitness to participate in regular exercise training Willingness to participate in the 12-week supervised resistance and core stabilization exercise program Ability to provide written informed consent
Exclusion criteria
Acute musculoskeletal injury Recent orthopedic surgery Neurological disorder Cardiovascular disease Any medical condition that limits participation in physical exercise Subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness greater than 17.5 mm at the NIRS measurement site
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in Bone Mineral Density | Baseline and 12 weeks | BMD will be assessed by DXA at lumbar spine and proximal femoral sites and recorded in g/cm². Change from baseline to 12 weeks will be evaluated. Time Frame: Baseline and 12 weeks |
| Change in Resting Muscle Oxygen Saturation (SmO₂) | Baseline and 12 weeks | Resting muscle oxygen saturation will be measured using NIRS in the vastus lateralis and rectus abdominis and reported as percentage (%). Change from baseline to 12 weeks will be evaluated. |
| Change in Total Haemoglobin (tHb) | Baseline and 12 weeks | Resting total haemoglobin concentration will be measured using NIRS in the vastus lateralis and rectus abdominis and reported in μM. Change from baseline to 12 weeks will be evaluated. |
| Change in Oxyhaemoglobin (O₂Hb) | Baseline and 12 weeks | Resting oxyhaemoglobin concentration will be measured using NIRS in the vastus lateralis and rectus abdominis and reported in μM. Change from baseline to 12 weeks will be evaluated. |
| Change in Deoxyhaemoglobin (HHb) | Baseline and 12 weeks | Resting deoxyhaemoglobin concentration will be measured using NIRS in the vastus lateralis and rectus abdominis and reported in μM. Change from baseline to 12 weeks will be evaluated. |
| Change in Haemoglobin Difference (HbDiff) | Baseline and 12 weeks | Resting haemoglobin difference will be derived from NIRS measurements in the vastus lateralis and rectus abdominis and reported in μM. Change from baseline to 12 weeks will be evaluated. |
Contacts
CONTACTEmine Merve ERSEVER, DR
Outcome results
None listed