Open AccessA Randomized Clinical Trial to Assess the Effect of Statins on Skeletal Muscle Function and Performance: Rationale and Study Design
Author(s) -
Thompson Paul D.,
Parker Beth A.,
Clarkson Priscilla M.,
Pescatello Linda S.,
Michael White C.,
Grimaldi Adam S.,
Levine Benjamin D.,
Haller Ronald G.,
Hoffman Eric P.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
preventive cardiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1751-7141
pISSN - 1520-037X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1751-7141.2009.00063.x
Subject(s) - medicine , myalgia , atorvastatin , statin , isometric exercise , skeletal muscle , physical therapy , placebo , muscle weakness , randomized controlled trial , clinical trial , cardiology , physical medicine and rehabilitation , alternative medicine , pathology
Hydroxymethylglutaryl‐coenzyme A reductase inhibitors or statins are the most effective medications for reducing elevated concentrations of low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C). Statins reduce cardiac events in patients with coronary artery disease and previously healthy persons. Current recommendations for LDL‐C treatment goals indicate that more patients will be treated with higher doses of these medications. Statins have been extremely well‐tolerated in controlled clinical trials but are increasingly recognized to produce skeletal muscle myalgia, cramps, and weakness. The reported frequency of such mild symptoms is not clear, and muscle performance has not been examined with these medications. Accordingly, the present investigation, the Effect of Statins on Skeletal Muscle Function and Performance (STOMP) study, will recruit approximately 440 healthy persons. Participants will be randomly assigned to treatment with atorvastatin 80 mg/d or placebo. Handgrip, elbow and knee isometric and isokinetic strength, knee extensor endurance, and maximal aerobic exercise performance will be determined at baseline. Participants will undergo repeat testing after 6 months of treatment or after meeting the study definition of statin myalgia. This study will determine the effect of statins on skeletal muscle strength, endurance, and aerobic exercise performance and may ultimately help clinicians better evaluate statin‐related muscle and exercise complaints.