NCT07654946 · Louisiana State University and A&M College
Near-Infrared Spectroscopy, Acute Taurine Supplementation, and Isolated Muscular Endurance and Fatigue Resistance in Young Healthy Adults
What this study is about
The goal of this clinical trial is to determine the association between near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS)-derived mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) capacity of the vastus lateralis muscles, and both local muscular endurance capacity and local muscular fatigability of the thigh muscles in young adults.
View original scientific description
The goal of this clinical trial is to determine the association between near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS)-derived mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) capacity of the vastus lateralis muscles, and both local muscular endurance capacity and local muscular fatigability of the thigh muscles in young adults. Additionally, this trial aims to determine the effect of acute taurine supplementation on local muscular endurance capacity and local muscular fatigability when compared to a placebo condition. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Will there be a positive correlation between NIRS rate constant (a marker of mitochondrial function) and local muscular endurance capacity, along with a negative correlation between NIRS rate constant and local muscular fatigability? 2. Will acute taurine supplementation lead to improvements in local muscular endurance capacity and local muscular fatigability when compared to a placebo condition? Participants will: 1. Complete a NIRS assessment to non-invasively assess the mitochondrial capacity of both vastus lateralis muscles 2. Complete two acute supplementation assessment visits (separated by 7-10 days) which involve small blood collections before and after taurine or placebo supplementation 3. Perform a single-leg extension time-to-exhaustion test to measure local muscular endurance capacity on one leg, along with a repeated maximal voluntary isometric contraction fatigue index test to measure local muscular fatigability on the opposite leg, during each acute supplementation assessment visit.
Interventions
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT
Acute Taurine Supplementation
Participants will ingest six taurine capsules (6 grams of taurine) following a baseline blood collection to determine baseline plasma taurine levels. 60 minutes following ingestion, there will be an additional blood collection to determine post-supplementation plasma taurine levels. Participants will then perform exercise assessments. The order of taurine supplementation relative to placebo supplementation will be randomized in a double-blind crossover with 7-10 days separating each condition.
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT
Acute Placebo Supplementation
Participants will ingest six placebo capsules (1.2 grams of microcrystalline cellulose) following a baseline blood collection to determine baseline plasma taurine levels. 60 minutes following ingestion, there will be an additional blood collection to determine post-supplementation plasma taurine levels. Participants will then perform exercise assessments. The order of placebo supplementation relative to taurine supplementation will be randomized in a double-blind crossover with 7-10 days separating each condition.
Primary outcome measures
Single Leg Extension Time-to-Exhaustion
Time frame: From Acute Supplementation Assessment Visit 1 to Acute Supplementation Assessment Visit 2, 7-10 days
Within-participant comparison of single-leg extension time-to-exhaustion (a measure of local quadriceps muscular endurance capacity) when comparing the acute taurine supplementation and acute placebo supplementation conditions
Single-Leg Muscular Fatigue Index
Time frame: From Acute Supplementation Assessment Visit 1 to Acute Supplementation Assessment Visit 2, 7-10 days
Within-participant comparison of fatigue index during 24 repeated maximal voluntary isometric contractions (a marker of local quadriceps muscular fatigability) when comparing the acute taurine supplementation and acute placebo supplementation conditions
Correlation Between Vastus Lateralis NIRS Rate Constant and Single-Leg Extension Time-to-Exhaustion
Time frame: From the NIRS Assessment Visit to Acute Supplementation Assessment Visit 2, approximately 2-3 weeks
The correlation between the rate constant of the vastus lateralis derived from the NIRS occlusion-based recovery kinetics assessment (a marker of mitochondrial OXPHOS capacity) and single-leg extension time-to-exhaustion (a maker of local quadriceps muscular endurance capacity).
Correlation Between Vastus Lateralis NIRS Rate Constant and Single-Leg Muscular Fatigue Index
Time frame: From the NIRS Assessment Visit to Acute Supplementation Assessment Visit 2, approximately 2-3 weeks
The correlation between the rate constant of the vastus lateralis derived from the NIRS occlusion-based recovery kinetics assessment (a marker of mitochondrial OXPHOS capacity) and single-leg muscular fatigue index (a maker of local quadriceps muscular fatigability).
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Capable and willing to give written informed consent
- Capable of understanding inclusion and
Exclusion criteria
- No medical condition that would limit participation in supervised exercise
- No current prescription medications known to impact mitochondrial function
- Sedentary or recreationally active (self-report average MVPA \< 300 mins/week)
- Willing to allow researchers to use data for research purposes Exclusion Criteria:
- Self-report history of diabetes mellitus
- Self-report history of cardiovascular, peripheral vascular, cerebral vascular, pulmonary, or renal disease
- Self-report history of uncontrolled hypertension (resting systolic blood pressure \> 180 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure \> 100 mmHg)
- Self-report history of blood clotting disorders
- Self-report history of sickle cell trait
- Self-report history of myopathy leading to muscle loss, weakness, severe cramps, or myalgia
- Self-report history of musculoskeletal disorders
- Self-report history of lower limb musculoskeletal injuries that may cause significant differences in the functional capacities of the right and left legs
- Self-report history of neurological disorders
- Active tobacco, E-cigarette, or nicotine use
- Recent (within previous 2 weeks) consumption of energy drinks or supplements containing ≥ 1 gram of taurine on \> 2 days/week
- Actively taking medications to treat blood-clotting disorders
- Any condition that, in the judgement of the Principal Investigator, may interfere with study participation and adherence to the protocol
- Participants may be excluded if measured adipose tissue thickness is \> 2.0 cm at the site of NIRS assessment or if the accessor is unable to obtain high-quality NIRS signals
Where
- Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Aug 26, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations