Effects of breaking up sitting time on heart health

Sitting Interruption and Whole-body Cardiovascular Health: Linking Physiological Responses to Risk Behaviors

NA · University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill · NCT05316571

This study tests if taking short breaks from sitting can improve heart health in middle-aged people who don't get enough activity.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment56 (estimated)
Ages30 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (other)
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Chapel Hill, North Carolina)
Trial IDNCT05316571 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the physiological effects of different strategies to interrupt sedentary behavior, which is linked to cardiovascular diseases. It aims to identify feasible methods for individuals to reduce prolonged sitting, such as taking short walking or standing breaks. The study will measure aortic arterial stiffness as a predictor of heart disease risk in middle-aged participants who are insufficiently active and sedentary. The findings will help inform public policy and future clinical trials aimed at reducing cardiovascular disease risk through behavior modification.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are middle-aged individuals aged 30-60 who are sedentary and insufficiently active.

Not a fit: Patients with significant comorbid conditions or those who are unable to reduce sedentary behavior due to physical limitations may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide actionable strategies for individuals to reduce their risk of cardiovascular diseases associated with sedentary behavior.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results in reducing cardiovascular risk through similar behavior modification strategies, indicating potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Aged between 30-60 years
* Insufficiently active: self-reported exercise \<90 minutes per week for the past 3 months
* Sedentary: self-reported sitting \>8 hours per day
* Self-reported ability to walk 4 blocks and climb 2 flights of stairs
* Possession of cellular phone able to receive text messages

Exclusion Criteria:

* Use of assisted-walking devices
* Comorbid condition that would limit the ability to reduce sedentary behavior (e.g., musculoskeletal condition, current chemotherapy)
* Plans for major surgery within next 3 months
* Recent history (\<1 year) of ischemic heart disease, chronic heart failure, stroke, or chronic kidney disease
* Recent (\< 1 year) or planned bariatric surgery
* Systolic blood pressure ≥160 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥100 mmHg
* Current or recent (within last 6 months) pregnancy; current or recent (within last 3 months) breastfeeding
* Morbidly obesity (BMI \>40 kg/m\^2) or underweight (BMI \<18.5 kg/m\^2)
* Use of anti-hypertensive drugs
* Use of glucose-controlling medication
* Heavy alcohol consumption (\>15 drinks per week)

Where this trial is running

Chapel Hill, 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: Sedentary Behavior, Sedentary Time, Interruption, Sitting, Cardiovascular, Arterial Stiffness, Pulse Wave Velocity

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.