Effects of breaking up sitting time on children's health

Testing the Efficacy of Multi-day Interruptions in Sedentary Behaviors on Metabolic, Cognitive, and Affective Outcomes in Youth at Risk for Type 2 Diabetes

Not applicable Interventional University of Southern California · NCT04469790

This study is testing if breaking up long periods of sitting with short activities can help overweight kids aged 8-11 improve their health and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment188 (estimated)
Ages8 Years to 11 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Southern California Academic / other
Locations1 site (Los Angeles, California)
Trial IDNCT04469790 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the impact of multi-day interruptions in sedentary behavior compared to single bouts of exercise on various health outcomes in children aged 8-11 who are overweight or obese and at risk for type 2 diabetes. The study will utilize continuous glucose monitoring to assess metabolic responses, cognitive functions, mood, and cardiac autonomic nervous system function. By investigating these effects over multiple days, the trial seeks to provide insights into effective strategies for reducing obesity-related health risks in children. The findings could inform future interventions aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles among youth.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children aged 8-11 years who are in good general health and have a BMI at or above the 85th percentile.

Not a fit: Patients with significant cardiac or pulmonary diseases, endocrinologic disorders, or those on certain medications affecting metabolism may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to innovative strategies for preventing type 2 diabetes and improving overall health in children.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with short-term interruptions in sedentary behavior, but this approach over multiple days is relatively novel and untested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age 8-11 years-old
2. Good general health
3. BMI≥85th percentile

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Significant cardiac or pulmonary disease likely to or resulting in hypoxia or decreased perfusion
2. Diagnosis of T2DM and/or presence of other endocrinologic disorders leading to obesity (e.g., Cushing Syndrome)
3. Current or past anti-psychotic drug use that would affect metabolism
4. Non-diet treatment for hypertension or dyslipidemia
5. Precocious puberty and/or receiving androgen and estrogen therapy
6. Medication use known to affect body composition/weight

Where this trial is running

Los Angeles, California

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 BehaviorAffectMetabolic DisturbanceAnxietyCardiac Autonomic Nervous System Functionexercisecognitive functionscontinuous glucose monitoring
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.