Trimetazidine in angina and poor muscle function (TAP): protocol for a randomized controlled study

Background: Low handgrip strength (HS) and declining gait speed (GS) are increasingly obvious with aging, requiring effective, and safe medication for treatment. Trimetazidine (TMZ) modified release tablets, a common anti-angina drug, has potential benefits for alleviating the condition, but this has not yet been fully studied and therefore is the aim of this study. Methods: This is a prospective randomized controlled study. Fifty-eight eligible patients will be randomly assigned to one of two study groups: TMZ group or control group. For the TMZ group, a dose of 35 mg of oral TMZ will be administered with a meal twice a day for 3 months, in addition to any conventional treatments for angina. Only conventional treatments for angina will be administrated in the control group. The primary outcome will be the 6-min walking distance and the secondary outcomes will be: muscle strength (HS and pinch strength), GS, muscle endurance (five times sit-to-stand test), balance maintenance (tandem standing test), and the frequency of angina per week. Additionally, body mass index, circumferences (biceps, waist, hip, and calf), albumin levels, and the score on a five-question scale for sarcopenia will be obtained during the study. Discussion: This study aims to evaluate the usefulness of TMZ in a population with poor muscle function. The results may provide an effective and safe medical treatment to people with low muscle strength or physical performance. Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1800015000; www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=25445. Key words: Trimetazidine; Angina; Strength; Physical performance