RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Glucose-Level During Endurance Exercise

This study aims to understand how exercise, like a military march, impacts the bodies of healthy soldiers. We're looking for 100 volunteer soldiers who are already completing their annual fitness assessment at Bundeswehr Hospital Ulm. Before the march, we'll collect information about their health, lifestyle, and fitness, and take some blood and urine samples. Special sensors will be attached to continuously monitor body functions. Participants will then complete a 6 km march carrying 15 kg of equipment. Afterwards, more blood and urine samples will be taken. This will help us learn more about how the body uses sugar and responds to physical effort.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Ulm

Enrolment target

100

Start

05 May 2026

Estimated completion

01 Jun 2028

Glucose Metabolism

What is this study about?

This study is designed to help us understand how healthy soldiers' bodies react to tough physical exercise. We'll be looking at what happens to their sugar levels and other body functions when they complete a challenging military march. By gathering lots of information, we hope to learn more about how the body works under stress and uses energy.

We're asking 100 soldiers who are already doing their yearly fitness test at Bundeswehr Hospital Ulm to volunteer. This is a great opportunity to learn from people who are fit and used to intense physical activity. By studying them, we can get a clearer picture of how the body adapts to physical demands.

The findings from this study could be very helpful. They might give us insights into how better to support people doing physically demanding jobs, and how our bodies manage energy during exercise. It's all about building a better understanding of human health and fitness.

Key takeaways

Study examines how healthy soldiers' bodies react to a military march.
Participation involves questionnaires, blood/urine samples, body scans, and wearing sensors.
You'll complete a 6 km march carrying 15 kg, similar to a fitness test.
Study helps us understand how the body uses energy during exercise.
You can stop participating at any time.
Your health status and certain medications might affect eligibility.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be a soldier at Bundeswehr Hospital Ulm. Your Body Mass Index (BMI) should be between 18.5 and 30, which is generally considered a healthy weight range.

There are several reasons why you might not be able to take part. This includes if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have heart problems, or follow a strict vegan diet. Also, if you use drugs or alcohol excessively, or take certain medicines that affect your blood sugar (like steroids, diabetes medications, or insulin) or your nervous system, you won't be able to join.

If you have any other health conditions that the study doctors think might put your safety at risk or affect the results, you also wouldn't be eligible. It's important to be willing to be told about any health issues that might be found during the study, even if they aren't directly related to the research.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you a soldier at Bundeswehr Hospital Ulm?
Is your Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18.5 and 30?
Are you not pregnant or breastfeeding?
Are you free from heart disease, drug/alcohol abuse, or a strict vegan diet?
Do you not take medications that strongly affect blood sugar or your nervous system?
Are you happy to be told about any unexpected health findings?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll first have an initial assessment. This involves answering questions about your health, lifestyle, and fitness, and filling out a physical activity questionnaire. You'll also have your body measurements taken, including a body composition scan using a special device. Blood and urine samples will be collected at this stage.

After this, some sensors will be attached to your body. These sensors will continuously record information like your blood sugar levels and heart activity. Once the sensors are ready, you'll complete a 6 km military march while carrying 15 kg of equipment, just like your usual fitness assessment.

Once you've finished the march, the sensors will be removed. We'll then collect a final set of blood and urine samples. The total time for the study activities, including preparations, the march, and follow-up, will take about one day.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study won't directly improve your health, but it will help us learn more about how our bodies respond to exercise. There are a few small risks, such as minor discomfort from blood draws or wearing the sensors. The physical demands of the march are similar to your routine fitness assessment. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your care or your standing.

Locations (1)

Bundeswehr Hospital Ulm
Verified postcode
Ulm, Germany· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a 'standardized military march'?

It's a specific march soldiers do as part of their fitness test, following fixed rules, distance, and equipment weight.

Will I have to take any new medicines?

No, this study does not involve taking any new medications. You'll just participate in the march.

How much blood will be taken?

We will take up to 60 ml of blood (about 4 tablespoons) at the start and up to 60 ml at the end of the march.

Will I know my results?

The study aims to gather general information. Your individual results are usually kept private for research, but any important health findings would be shared with you.

Is the marching route difficult?

The march is 6 km with 15 kg of equipment, on a route around the Bundeswehr Hospital Ulm grounds, in line with military rules.

How to find out more

Martin Heni, MD

martin.heni@uniklinik-ulm.de +4973150044505 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.