Try 12 weeks of guided exercise to strengthen muscles affected by cirrhosis

Recruiting

What is this trial?

This trial is testing whether exercise—either resistance training (strength-building) or endurance training (cardio)—can help patients with cirrhosis rebuild muscle mass and reduce dangerous ammonia levels in the body. Cirrhosis damages the liver's ability to process ammonia, which can cause confusion and muscle loss. The study will compare two types of exercise over 12 weeks to see which one works better.

Patients with cirrhosis often lose muscle mass and develop ammonia buildup because their liver cannot process it normally. While some studies show endurance exercise is safe, there is very little research on how resistance exercise works or which type of exercise is best for this condition.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are between 21 and 65 years old
you have been diagnosed with cirrhosis (confirmed by biopsy, imaging, or blood tests)
you have not consumed alcohol or recreational drugs for at least 6 months
you have stable cirrhosis without severe complications (specific liver function scores within a safe range)
you have had an abdominal or liver imaging scan within the past year

You likely don't qualify if…

you have consumed alcohol within the past 6 weeks
you have active kidney, heart, or lung disease
you have had recent bleeding in your digestive tract or active infection
you are taking blood thinners, steroids, or other medications that affect muscle breakdown
you have severe swelling in your abdomen or legs, or confusion from liver disease

What participation looks like

You will start with screening and fitness testing visits to make sure exercise is safe for you. Then you will be randomly assigned to either 12 weeks of resistance exercise, 12 weeks of endurance exercise, or standard care. If assigned to exercise, you will receive equipment to use at home and complete the program over three months. The study will measure your muscle mass, fitness level, and blood markers before, during, and after the exercise period.

How Exercise Helps Rebuild Muscle in Liver Cirrhosis

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(1 site)