Limb Disuse Trials in Humans: Key Insights on Study Design, Ethics, and Project Execution

Matt S. Stock; Kylie K. Harmon; Justin W. Andrushko; Jonathan P. Farthing; Michael D. Roberts; Brian C. Clark; Lori Ploutz-Snyder; Charlotte Suetta; Harry C.S. Wingfield; Luc J.C. van Loon; Joshua C. Carr

doi:10.1249/JES.0000000000000392

Limb Disuse Trials in Humans: Key Insights on Study Design, Ethics, and Project Execution

Matt S. Stock^*
, Kylie K. Harmon
, Justin W. Andrushko
, Jonathan P. Farthing
, Michael D. Roberts
, Brian C. Clark
, Lori Ploutz-Snyder
, Charlotte Suetta
, Harry C.S. Wingfield
, Luc J.C. van Loon
, Joshua C. Carr

^*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Academic › peer-review

Abstract

Limb disuse models, such as immobilization and limb suspension, have been implemented for 30+ years to understand the mechanistic and clinical implications of neuromuscular impairments and muscle atrophy. Drawing on decades of experience, we outline key considerations for research design, ethics, and implementation. Serving as a roadmap for investigators, this review promotes broader use of disuse models in clinical trials. Summary: This review provides guidance for designing and conducting safe, rigorous limb disuse studies, highlighting ethical considerations, challenges, and future directions.

Original language	English
Journal	Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1249/JES.0000000000000392
Publication status	E-pub ahead of print - 1 Jan 2026

Keywords

Clinical Trials
Ethics
Immobilization
IRB
Muscle Atrophy
Rehabilitation
Research Design

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10.1249/JES.0000000000000392

Cite this

Stock, M. S., Harmon, K. K., Andrushko, J. W., Farthing, J. P., Roberts, M. D., Clark, B. C., Ploutz-Snyder, L., Suetta, C., Wingfield, H. C. S., van Loon, L. J. C., & Carr, J. C. (2026). Limb Disuse Trials in Humans: Key Insights on Study Design, Ethics, and Project Execution. Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1249/JES.0000000000000392

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title = "Limb Disuse Trials in Humans: Key Insights on Study Design, Ethics, and Project Execution",

abstract = "Limb disuse models, such as immobilization and limb suspension, have been implemented for 30+ years to understand the mechanistic and clinical implications of neuromuscular impairments and muscle atrophy. Drawing on decades of experience, we outline key considerations for research design, ethics, and implementation. Serving as a roadmap for investigators, this review promotes broader use of disuse models in clinical trials. Summary: This review provides guidance for designing and conducting safe, rigorous limb disuse studies, highlighting ethical considerations, challenges, and future directions.",

keywords = "Clinical Trials, Ethics, Immobilization, IRB, Muscle Atrophy, Rehabilitation, Research Design",

author = "Stock, \{Matt S.\} and Harmon, \{Kylie K.\} and Andrushko, \{Justin W.\} and Farthing, \{Jonathan P.\} and Roberts, \{Michael D.\} and Clark, \{Brian C.\} and Lori Ploutz-Snyder and Charlotte Suetta and Wingfield, \{Harry C.S.\} and \{van Loon\}, \{Luc J.C.\} and Carr, \{Joshua C.\}",

note = "Publisher Copyright: Copyright {\textcopyright} 2026 by the American College of Sports Medicine",

year = "2026",

month = jan,

day = "1",

doi = "10.1249/JES.0000000000000392",

language = "English",

journal = "Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews",

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T2 - Key Insights on Study Design, Ethics, and Project Execution

AU - Stock, Matt S.

AU - Harmon, Kylie K.

AU - Andrushko, Justin W.

AU - Farthing, Jonathan P.

AU - Roberts, Michael D.

AU - Clark, Brian C.

AU - Ploutz-Snyder, Lori

AU - Suetta, Charlotte

AU - Wingfield, Harry C.S.

AU - van Loon, Luc J.C.

AU - Carr, Joshua C.

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AB - Limb disuse models, such as immobilization and limb suspension, have been implemented for 30+ years to understand the mechanistic and clinical implications of neuromuscular impairments and muscle atrophy. Drawing on decades of experience, we outline key considerations for research design, ethics, and implementation. Serving as a roadmap for investigators, this review promotes broader use of disuse models in clinical trials. Summary: This review provides guidance for designing and conducting safe, rigorous limb disuse studies, highlighting ethical considerations, challenges, and future directions.

KW - Clinical Trials

KW - Ethics

KW - Immobilization

KW - IRB

KW - Muscle Atrophy

KW - Rehabilitation

KW - Research Design

U2 - 10.1249/JES.0000000000000392

DO - 10.1249/JES.0000000000000392

M3 - Article

SN - 0091-6331

JO - Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews

JF - Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews

ER -

Limb Disuse Trials in Humans: Key Insights on Study Design, Ethics, and Project Execution

Abstract

Keywords

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