NCT06965491

The Effects of Exogenous Ketosis on Ultra-endurance Recovery and Performance

Exploring the Role of Intermittent Exogenous Ketosis on Physical and Mental Fatigue During Ultra-endurance Performance

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 18 (actual)
• Sponsor: KU Leuven · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 59 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

The study aims to investigate the effects of post-exercise and pre-sleep ketosis via oral ketone ester supplementation on physical and mental recovery during a multi-day cycling stage race.

Detailed description

Ultra-endurance events are becoming increasing popular. Participation in the multi-day events adds a lot of physical and mental strain on the body, while the athletes are still required to perform. Without appropriate recovery the athletes are at increased risk of overreaching, injury, or illness. Therefore, the purpose of the study is to create a better understanding of the exercise fatigue experienced during ultra-endurance performance and the role intermittent exogenous ketosis (IEK) plays in reducing the amount of fatigue to maintain performance during multi-day racing and lower the risk of injury and illness. Participants will first compete in a 8-day simulated stage race performed on taxc trainers and then we will conduct a field study during the Absa Cape Epic a 8-day mountain bike stage race. Immediately following each stage and 30-mins before bed the participants will consume either a ketone ester and taste-match placebo drink. During the race the following variables will be measured; hydration status, weight change, activity readiness, and nutrition intake. Cognitive function will be assessed on day 2, 4 and 8 of racing. One day before and one day after the race the participants will report to the lab to assess basal metabolic rate, stress via questionnaires, appetite, cognitive function, muscle biopsies, venous blood samples, mechanical efficiency and 30-min Time Trial.

Conditions

• Exogenous Ketosis
• Endurance Cycling Performance
• Fatigue; Muscle, Heart
• Fatigue, Mental

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT	Placebo Supplement	Placebo supplement: Oral supplement containing: 16.4 grams of medium chained triglycerides, 1mM or sucrose octaacetate and water
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT	Ketone ester supplement	Ketone ester supplement Oral supplement containing: 25 grams of pure (R)-3-hydroxybutyl-(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate ketone monoester drink

Timeline

• Start date: 2024-03-01
• Primary completion: 2025-03-27
• Completion: 2025-10-30
• First posted: 2025-05-11
• Last updated: 2026-02-20

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Belgium