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

University of Copenhagen48 enrolled

Overview

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.

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.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

OTHER

Masking

DOUBLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Sports Drug Abuse

Interventions

EPODRUG

Please refer to the arm description

Control group - saline injectionOTHER

Please refer to the arm description

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 45 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

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

Locations (1)

Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports

Copenhagen, Denmark

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Change in maximal oxygen uptake

Change from baseline maximal aerobic capacity 5 days after last injection. Measured via an exhaustive incremental cycle ergometer test.

Time frame: Change from baseline to 5 days after last injection

Change in time trial performance

Change from baseline endurance exercise performance 3 days after last injection. Measured via a preloaded 400 kcal time-trial.

Time frame: Change from baseline to 3 days after last injection

Change in total hemoglobin mass

Change from baseline total hemoglobin mass 3 days after last injection. Measured by the carbon monoxide rebreathing method.

Time frame: Change from baseline to 3 days after last injection

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.