Discover the studies we are conducting within the EFFECTS research group
BATON
Adaptations of Human Brown Adipose Tissue to Caloric Restriction
The BATON study has as its main objective to characterise the adaptations experienced by human brown adipose tissue in response to a nutritional intervention that induces a weight loss of between 8% and 10%. It is well known that the body's energy expenditure decreases in parallel with weight loss, which limits further weight loss and may predispose individuals to weight regain. However, it is unknown which tissues or organs are responsible for this reduction. Our study investigates the hypothesis that brown adipose tissue is one of these tissues. To this end, adaptations will be investigated at several levels (in vivo and ex vivo). The study is led by Dr. Guillermo Sánchez Delgado.
GLUCOLOW
Effect of WB-EMS Training on Glycaemic Regulation in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
The GLUCOLOW study analyses the impact of an innovative whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) system on glycaemic control and metabolic health in adults with type 2 diabetes. The project combines advanced technology, continuous glucose monitoring, and supervised exercise to explore new non-pharmacological strategies for the prevention and treatment of metabolic disorders. The study is led by Dr. Francisco J. Amaro-Gahete.
IMS
Effect of a Physical Exercise Session Performed During a 24–34-Hour Fasting Period on Energy Metabolism and Cognitive Function in Healthy Adults: A Pilot Study
The IMS study, led by Dr. Guillermo Sánchez Delgado and medically supervised by Dr. Francisco J. Amaro-Gahete, aims to explore, for the first time in humans, whether performing a session of intense exercise during a 24- or 34-hour fast magnifies the effects of fasting. This study seeks to address the need to test the validity of a model proposed by researchers in the United States (Cyclic Metabolic Switching), which predicts that the combination of intense exercise and prolonged fasting could result in greater benefits than either of these two stimuli alone.
ONCOFIT
Multidisciplinary Prehabilitation and Rehabilitation Based on Lifestyle Changes to Improve Surgical Outcomes in Patients with Colon Cancer: Elucidating the Underlying Mechanisms
The ONCOFIT study analyses how a multidisciplinary prehabilitation and rehabilitation programme combining physical exercise, nutrition, and psychological support can improve the preparation and recovery of patients undergoing surgery for colon cancer. Its objective is to reduce postoperative complications, promote functional recovery, and improve long-term prognosis, while also gaining a deeper understanding of the physiological and molecular mechanisms involved. The project is led by Dr. Francisco J. Amaro-Gahete.
PRINCE
Estimation of Resting Energy Expenditure in Paediatric Patients with Crohn’s Disease, Cystic Fibrosis, or Oncohaematological Conditions at Different Stages of the Disease and Its Treatment: Evaluation of the Validity of Predictive Equations
In various paediatric clinical situations, nutritional replacement therapy is used. In these contexts, where patients receive a strictly prescribed diet controlled by the healthcare team, it is essential to accurately estimate patients’ energy requirements. This is usually done using predictive equations for resting energy expenditure. However, these equations were developed using data from healthy individuals and may therefore introduce considerable error when estimating resting energy expenditure in patients with different pathological conditions.
The PRINCE study aims to assess the validity of predictive equations for resting energy expenditure commonly used in clinical practice through the systematic use of indirect calorimetry in patients at different stages of Crohn’s disease, cystic fibrosis, or oncohaematological conditions. The PRINCE study is co-led by Dr. Guillermo Sánchez Delgado and Dr. Rafael Martín Masot from the University of Málaga.
RAD-ADIP
Feasibility and Safety of High-Power Amplified Interlaced Radiofrequency with Belt Application on Abdominal Adipose Tissue and Cardiometabolic Parameters in Adults with Obesity
RAD-ADIP is a pilot, randomised, double-blind, sham-controlled study designed to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and tolerability of a high-power amplified interlaced radiofrequency protocol using a belt applicator in adults with obesity. On an exploratory basis, the study will analyse potential changes in subcutaneous and visceral abdominal fat, body composition, cardiometabolic profile, inflammatory biomarkers, and parameters related to biological ageing. In addition, lifestyle habits, body perception, procedure acceptability, and perceived safety will be monitored to provide appropriate context for the results.
REGANE
Time-Restricted Eating as a Potential Strategy to Promote the Maintenance of Lost Weight in Patients with Obesity
The REGANE study, led by Dr. Guillermo Sánchez Delgado, investigates whether an intermittent fasting intervention (time-restricted eating, TRE) promotes the maintenance of lost weight in patients with obesity who have undergone a calorie-restriction intervention that reduced their body weight by 8–10%. In addition, the REGANE study will explore whether TRE provides health benefits independently of those induced by the weight loss it produces, and will investigate potential predictors of weight regain in order to unravel part of the biological basis of this concerning reality.
RESET
Development and Validation of Innovative Virtual Reality Software to Improve Disability and Quality of Life in Patients with Stroke
The RESET study evaluates the effects of a fully immersive, stroke-specific virtual reality programme designed to improve disability and quality of life in patients in the subacute phase. This project, developed through collaboration between universities, hospitals, and technology companies, combines gamification and realistic virtual environments to optimise motor and cognitive recovery after stroke. The project is led by Dr. Francisco J. Amaro-Gahete at the University of Granada.
SAFRON
Effects of Saffron Extract Supplementation on Sleep Quality in Middle-Aged Adults: A Randomised, Triple-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
The SAFFRON study evaluates the effects of daily saffron extract supplementation over a seven-week period on sleep quality and duration in middle-aged adults with sleep disturbances. In addition, it analyses its impact on heart rate variability, cognitive performance, emotional well-being, perceived health, and various biochemical markers related to stress and well-being. Using a rigorous placebo-controlled methodology, this project aims to explore the potential of saffron as an innovative nutritional strategy to improve sleep and overall health. The project is led by Dr. Lucas Jurado Fasoli.
TIRZEPAFIT
Effect of a Combined Resistance Training and Protein-Enriched Diet Intervention on Fat-Free Mass in Adults with Obesity Treated with Tirzepatide: A Randomised Controlled Trial
The TIRZEPAFIT study analyses how the combination of supervised physical exercise and personalised nutrition can prevent the loss of lean mass and improve metabolic and functional health in patients with obesity treated with tirzepatide. Its objective is to integrate lifestyle strategies into clinical management in order to optimise the effectiveness and sustainability of pharmacological treatments. The project is led by Drs. Guillermo Sánchez-Delgado and Francisco J. Amaro-Gahete at the University of Granada.
TREPO
Time-Restricted Eating in Children and Adolescents with Obesity and Metabolic Comorbidities: A Pilot Study
The TREPO study is co-led by Dr. Guillermo Sánchez Delgado and Dr. Rafael Martín Masot from the University of Málaga. The study was designed to gather preliminary information on the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of time-restricted eating (TRE) in adolescents with obesity. TRE has been widely studied as a nutritional intervention with promising benefits in adults. However, whether this type of intervention can be applied to minors and whether it is appropriate to do so remain unknown. The TREPO study represents one of the first steps towards answering this important clinical question.