Exercise as a shield for pilot bones? a new trial investigates
NCT ID NCT07787143
First seen Aug 26, 2026 · Last updated Aug 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This pilot study tests whether a 12-week supervised resistance and core stabilization exercise program can improve bone mineral density and resting muscle oxygenation in male military test pilots who have low bone density. Participants will exercise five days a week while continuing their flight duties. Bone density and muscle oxygen levels will be measured before and after the program to see if structured exercise can help counteract the bone loss that may come with aviation.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Supervised resistance and core stabilization exercise program
- What this could lead to
- If effective, this exercise program could offer a practical way to protect bone health and muscle function in military pilots and others with low bone density.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small pilot study with only 10 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The exercise program is demanding, and there is a risk of injury or that bone density changes may be minimal.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 10 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Sep 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Feb 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 50 years
- Sex
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Male participants only
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
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
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
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