Effects of aging on exercise training responsiveness in older adults

The Role of Aging and Individual Variation in Exercise Training Responsiveness

NA · Duke University · NCT06471569

This study is testing how aging affects the way older adults respond to exercise training and whether it can improve their health, especially for those with prediabetes and heart issues.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment26 (estimated)
Ages60 Years to 90 Years
SexAll
SponsorDuke University (other)
Locations1 site (Durham, North Carolina)
Trial IDNCT06471569 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates how aging influences physical reserve and the body's response to exercise in older adults who have previously participated in a structured exercise program. It aims to enroll up to 8 participants for a 6-month aerobic exercise intervention, assessing various levels of exercise intensity. The focus is on understanding individual variations in exercise-induced adaptations and resilience, particularly in relation to prediabetes and cardiovascular health.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults who have previously completed the STRRIDE-PD trial and meet specific BMI and medication stability criteria.

Not a fit: Patients with insulin-dependent diabetes, significant cardiovascular issues, or other serious health conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance exercise recommendations for older adults, improving their cardiovascular health and overall physical fitness.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in understanding exercise responsiveness in older adults, but this specific approach is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Individuals who completed participation in the STRRIDE-PD trial (NCT00962962)
* Body Mass Index (BMI) \> 18 and \< 45 kg/m2
* Stable dose (≥1 month) of any cardiometabolic medications

Exclusion Criteria:

* Poor vein access
* Current use of tobacco or any nicotine products, including e-cigarettes
* Insulin-dependent diabetes
* Active untreated hypothyroidism with thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations \> 10.0 uIU/mL
* Systemic inflammatory or connective tissue disease, chronic infectious disease, chronic pulmonary disease or symptomatic cardiovascular disease with positive functional study by ECG or imaging
* Current, actively treated malignancy other than dermatologic conditions
* Absolute contraindications to exercise testing: ongoing unstable angina; uncontrolled cardiac arrhythmia with hemodynamic compromise; active endocarditis; symptomatic severe aortic stenosis; decompensated heart failure; acute pulmonary embolism, pulmonary infarction, or deep vein thrombosis; acute myocarditis or pericarditis; acute aortic dissection; physical disability that precludes safe and adequate testing
* Relative contraindications to exercise testing: known obstructive left main coronary artery stenosis; moderate to severe aortic stenosis with uncertain relation to symptoms; tachyarrhythmias with uncontrolled ventricular rates; acquired advanced or complete heart block; hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy with severe resting gradient; recent stroke or transient ischemic attack; mental impairment with limited ability to cooperate; uncorrected medical conditions, such as hypertension, significant anemia, important electrolyte imbalance, and hyperthyroidism
* Modified testing contraindications: acute myocardial infarction (MI) within six months; resting hypertension with systolic or diastolic blood pressures \>160/90 mmHg
* Unable to safely participate in an exercise program per study protocol per PI discretion
* Planned, intentional weight loss during study

Where this trial is running

Durham, North Carolina

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Prediabetic State, Cardiovascular Diseases, Insulin Resistance, Obesity, Exercise, Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Functional Capacity, Cardiometabolic Risk

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.