EMBODY study. Version 1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The association between skeletal muscle mass, blood pressure, and physical activity level in clinical practice: The EMBODY study
IRAS ID
326862
Contact name
Eduard Shantsila
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Liverpool
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
4 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Aims:
The EMOBDY study aims to investigate whether there is a link between skeletal muscle mass (SMM), blood pressure, and physical activity. Skeletal muscle plays an important role in general well-being. SMM refers to how much muscle the body has. It can be measured using various techniques including Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) which is non-invasive and accessible in the community, similar to a bathroom weight scale. We also aim to investigate if SMM can be used as a guide to judge the effectiveness of lifestyle changes or treatments. This could help people to track their heart health by using BIA in the community and prompt early medical attention if needed. It could also help healthcare professionals work collaboratively with the individual to determine the most appropriate lifestyle changes based on the individual’s needs and social circumstances. This approach could help improve access to healthcare, detect heart disease risks early and reduce health inequalities.Who can take part? We are recruiting 2 groups of participants between the age of 40-74 years ( 200 participants in total):
Group 1: Healthy people with no underlying long-term health conditions.
Group 2: People with hypertension (high blood pressure) with good blood pressure control.What does the study involve?
The study involves 4 visits at one-month intervals over 3 months. During each visit, participants will have a series of non-invasive health checks including measuring blood pressure, blood vessel stiffness, body composition analysis (including SMM), and a short questionnaire about lifestyle and body composition with the option to record physical activity using an NHS app. The assessments will be done at a designated facility within the premises of the University of Liverpool.
Who cannot take part?
People with unstable long-term health conditions.
Pregnant women.
People who have pacemaker/implantable defibrillator, artificial limb or heart valve prostheses, heart arrhythmias or tremors.REC name
North West - Liverpool Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/NW/0064
Date of REC Opinion
14 Mar 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion