Breaking up long periods of sitting to improve heart and metabolic health

Breaking up Prolonged Sedentary Behavior to Improve Cardiometabolic Health: An Adaptive Dose-Finding Study

Not applicable Interventional Columbia University · NCT05353322

This study is testing how often and how long people should take breaks from sitting to see if it can help improve their heart and metabolic health.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment324 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorColumbia University Academic / other
Locations1 site (New York, New York)
Trial IDNCT05353322 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This research aims to determine how frequently and for how long individuals should interrupt prolonged sedentary behavior to improve cardiometabolic health. The study will utilize an adaptive dose-finding approach in a controlled laboratory setting to identify the minimally effective doses of sedentary breaks. By examining the effects of different frequencies and durations of breaks, the study seeks to provide empirical evidence that can inform public health guidelines and future long-term trials. The ultimate goal is to establish actionable recommendations for reducing sedentary time and enhancing cardiovascular health.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older who do not have chronic medical conditions or take medications that affect blood pressure or glucose levels.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or those on medications for blood pressure or glucose control may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to specific guidelines that help individuals reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease through manageable breaks from sedentary behavior.

How similar studies have performed: While there is a growing body of evidence on the negative impacts of sedentary behavior, this specific approach to determining optimal break frequency and duration is novel and has not been rigorously tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 18 years of age or older
* Ability to read, write and speak English or Spanish
* Limited or no chronic medical conditions \[examples include but not limited to: CVD, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), HIV/AIDS; participants with high blood pressure/hypertension and/or high cholesterol/hyperlipidemia may be included if they are currently prescribed and taking medication for these conditions\]
* Do not take medication (over-the-counter or herbal) to control glucose (such as a diabetes control medication)
* Not currently pregnant
* Do not currently smoke cigarettes
* No pre-existing musculoskeletal conditions (including but not limited to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, gout, ankylosing spondylitis) that would prevent participation in intermittent physical activity
* No allergies to common food allergens including wheat, eggs, milk or other dairy, gluten, fructose, peanuts or other nuts
* No dietary restrictions such as vegan, gluten free, halal

Exclusion Criteria:

• Unable to provide consent

Where this trial is running

New York, New York

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Sedentary BehaviorCardiometabolic Risk FactorsBlood PressureGlucosePhysical ActivityInsulinDose-finding
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.