Breaking up long periods of sitting to improve heart and metabolic health
Official title: Breaking up Prolonged Sedentary Behavior to Improve Cardiometabolic Health: An Adaptive Dose-Finding Study
Run by Columbia University · NCT05353322 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 324 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Columbia University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (New York, New York) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 30, 2022 |
| Main results expected | January 31, 2028 |
| Study ends | March 31, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | April 9, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05353322 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
Center for Behavioral Cardiovascular Health
New York, New York, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Keith Diaz, PhD — Florence Irving Assistant Professor of Behavioral Medicine, CUIMC
- Study coordinator: Keith Diaz, PhD
- Email: kd2442@cumc.columbia.edu
- Phone: 212-305-1170
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.