Effects of Exercise on Sleep and Inflammation in Older Adults with HIV

Relationship of Formal Exercise Interventions, Sleep, and Inflammation Markers in People Living with HIV

Not applicable Interventional Case Western Reserve University · NCT04946994

This study is testing whether high-intensity interval training or moderate exercise can improve sleep quality and reduce inflammation in older adults living with HIV.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages50 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorCase Western Reserve University Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Cleveland, Ohio and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04946994 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates how two different exercise interventions, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and continuous moderate-intensity exercise (CME), affect sleep quality and inflammation markers in older adults living with HIV. The study aims to compare the effectiveness of these exercise types on improving sleep and to quantify changes in inflammation markers associated with sleep quality. Participants will engage in a supervised exercise program over 16 weeks, with assessments of sleep and inflammation conducted at various intervals. The findings could provide insights into the relationship between physical activity, sleep, and inflammation in this population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults aged 50 and above, living with HIV, who are sedentary and experiencing poor sleep quality.

Not a fit: Patients with uncontrolled hypertension or unstable ischemic heart disease may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved sleep quality and reduced inflammation for older adults living with HIV.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown positive outcomes with exercise interventions in improving health metrics in chronic illness populations, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* confirmed HIV infection
* sedentary lifestyle, defined as self-reported physical activity that breaks a sweat \<3 days/week, with no regular resistance exercise for 3 months prior to the study
* on a current, modern antiretroviral therapy (ART) (anti-retroviral regimen)
* documented HIV-1 RNA \<200 copies/mL in the past 12 months
* willing to engage in a supervised exercise program 3 times/week for 16 weeks
* poor sleep quality based on self-report survey (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, total score \>5)
* aged ≥ 50 years
* English speaking

Exclusion Criteria:

* not controlled hypertension-defined as resting systolic blood pressure \>150 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure \>90 mmHg; participants who do not meet these criteria at first screening will be re-evaluated, including follow-up evaluation by their primary care provider with initiation or adjustment of anti-hypertensive medications
* Indicators of unstable ischemic heart disease (e.g., angina, ST segment depression) or serious arrhythmias-at rest or during the graded exercise test without negative follow-up evaluation will be cause for exclusion; follow-up evaluation must include diagnostic testing (e.g., thallium stress test) with interpretation by a cardiologist
* New York Heart Association Class III or IV congestive heart failure, clinically significant aortic stenosis, uncontrolled angina, or uncontrolled arrhythmia
* Pulmonary disease-requiring the use of supplemental oxygen at rest or with physical exertion

Where this trial is running

Cleveland, Ohio and 1 other locations

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 HivSleep
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.