Can protein help older muscles bounce back after a long walk?
NCT ID NCT06235476
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study looked at whether protein supplements or dietary advice could reduce muscle damage in active older adults after long-distance walking. 199 participants aged 60+ used whey protein, plant-based protein, or protein-rich foods for 5 weeks, and walked 30-50 km. Researchers measured muscle damage through blood tests and pain scores.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- whey protein supplement, mixed plant-based protein supplement, and dietary counseling via e-health app
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could point toward simple dietary strategies to help older adults recover from exercise and maintain muscle health.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, completed trial with no phase designation, so results may not apply broadly. Protein supplements may cause digestive issues in some people.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
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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199 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Jun 2024
- Finished
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Jul 2025
- 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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60 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- 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: * 60 years or older * Registered for the Nijmegen Four Days Marches (i.e., able to walk 30-50 km/day) * A habitual protein intake \<1.0 g/kg/d based on the protein 55+ (PRO55+) screening tool * Able to understand and perform the study procedures * Able to use a mobile device Exclusion Criteria: * Allergic or sensitive for milk proteins, or lactose intolerant * Diagnosed type I or type II diabetes mellitus * Diagnosed intestinal diseases influencing the uptake of protein (i.e., active inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease) * Consumption of other freely available protein supplements during the study period. * If the subject intends to perform additional exercise bouts that cause muscle damage in the 4 days before the single- and multiple exercise bouts.
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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.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Radboudumc
Nijmegen, Gelderland, 6525GC, Netherlands
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