NCT07347535

Non-invasive MSOT Examination of Muscle Oxygenation in Athletes and PAD Patients

Non-invasive Assessment of Skeletal Muscle Oxygenation in Athletes and Patients With Peripheral Arterial Disease Using Multispectral Optoacoustic Tomography During Standardized Physical Exercise

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: —
• Study type: Observational
• Enrollment: 60 (estimated)
• Sponsor: University Hospital Erlangen · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 75 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

The aim of the study is to present the quantitative differences in oxygenated hemoglobin in different cohorts. This clinical study evaluates whether there is a correlation between measurements using multispectral optoacoustic tomography and the results of spiroergometry in the context of performance diagnostics.

Detailed description

This study aims to investigate the muscle metabolism of athletes (endurance and strength athletes), PAD patients, and healthy control subjects using non-invasive multispectral optoacoustic tomography as part of interval treadmill spiroergometry. The aim is to take a closer look at changes in oxygen supply and muscle metabolism in the various patient groups during the recovery phase. To this end, the individual groups will perform a performance diagnosis on a treadmill spiroergometer, adapted to their respective estimated physical performance (in the case of PAD patients, taking into account the possibilities given by the disease), which will be carried out in the form of a step test. In addition, MSOT measurements will be taken between the individual steps. The aim of this study is to use MSOT to visualize and compare the muscle perfusion-in particular the proportion of oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin (Hb)-of the various cohorts, as well as to compare it with the diagnostics and methods commonly used to date and identify any advantages. In the future, this could contribute to a better understanding of muscle perfusion, especially in connection with diseases such as PAD or other muscle lesions in sports medicine.

Conditions

• PAD - Peripheral Arterial Disease

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DIAGNOSTIC_TEST	MSOT - Multispectral optoacustic tomography	MSOT is an advanced imaging technology that combines laser-induced ultrasound and light absorption to visualize biological tissues. By detecting ultrasound waves generated from tissue absorption of multispectral light, MSOT provides high-resolution, real-time images with functional and molecular information. One of its use is in biomedical research and clinical applications to study blood oxygenation and tissue composition, making it valuable for areas such as vascular research. In this study, we aim to utilize MSOT to differentiate between venous, arteriovenous and lymphatic malformations.
DIAGNOSTIC_TEST	CPET	Spiroergometry (also called cardiopulmonary exercise testing, CPET) is a diagnostic test that measures how the heart, lungs, and muscles work together during physical activity. While a person performs exercise treadmill the test records breathing gases (oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide output), ventilation, heart rate, and workload. It provides valuable information about aerobic capacity, endurance, and limitations caused by cardiovascular, pulmonary, or metabolic conditions, making it useful in sports medicine, rehabilitation, and clinical diagnostics.

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-01-01
• Primary completion: 2026-03-01
• Completion: 2026-08-01
• First posted: 2026-01-16
• Last updated: 2026-01-16