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Associations Between the Microbiome, Skeletal Muscle Perfusion, and Fitness Status
Who can join
Ages 18 and older · All sexes
Full eligibility criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Subjects must be able to communicate meaningfully with the investigator and must be legally competent to provide written informed consent. * Subjects may be of either sex with age 18 years. Exclusion Criteria: * Oral antibiotic use within previous four weeks * Oral disease or poor oral health as determined by the Oral Health Questionnaire * Using an antibacterial mouthwash or a mouthwash containing chlorhexidine and unwilling to discontinue use * Tobacco smokers * Pregnant or lactating females * Hypersensitivity to any ultrasound contrast agent * Inability to perform exercise * Unable to communicate effectively in English to the study team. * Diagnosis of chronic renal failure (GFR \< 60 ml/min/1.73m) * Subjects taking nitroglycerine (or inorganic nitrates), PDE-5 inhibitors (ex: Cialis, Viagra), and xanthine oxidase inhibitors (ex: Allopurinol).
About the study
The purpose of the study is to determine associations between fitness status, bacteria in the mouth, and the blood flow to muscle. This study is trying to find out if fitness status impacts the bacteria that are present in the oral microbiome (environment in the mouth) or the ability of the body to send blood to the skeletal muscle.
Participants will complete all or some of the following:
* A mouth swab to assess the bacteria in their mouths. * Produce a saliva sample into a tube. * Cycle on a bike until you reach maximum effort. * Undergo blood draws * Wear a 24-hour non-invasive device that monitors blood pressure. * Drink 70mL (1/3 of a cup) of concentrated beetroot juice once
Sponsor: University of Virginia · Participants: 70 · Started: Aug 30, 2023
Contact the study team
- Casey C Derella, PhD · Phone: 6092476377
- Macy E Stahl, B.S.E.d · Phone: 5719698323
Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT06009276
Locations in the U.S.
| Virginia | UVA Student Health and Wellness Building, Charlottesville |
Conditions
From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Sep 29, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.