Examining lifestyle factors affecting heart disease and diabetes in veterans with PTSD
Official title: Impact of Lifestyle on Cardiovascular and Metabolic Risk Factors in Trauma Exposed Post-9/11 Veterans
Run by VA Office of Research and Development · NCT04911153 · Data updated 2026-05-14
This study is no longer in our active list. It may have stopped recruiting or finished. The details below are as of 2026-05-14 and are kept for reference. Check ClinicalTrials.gov for its current status, or see similar studies below.
This study looks at how things like diet and exercise affect heart disease and diabetes risk in veterans with PTSD to see if changing these habits can help improve their health.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 250 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | VA Office of Research and Development Federal |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT04911153 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are military veterans or active service members aged 18-75 who have deployed in support of post-9/11 operations, particularly those with a diagnosis of PTSD.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with neurological illnesses, cognitive disorders, or current psychotic disorders 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 observational study investigates the relationship between lifestyle factors, such as physical activity and diet, and the risk of developing cardiometabolic diseases in post-9/11 veterans, particularly those diagnosed with PTSD. It aims to understand how these modifiable factors influence health outcomes and the mechanisms linking PTSD to increased risks of conditions like heart disease and diabetes. By assessing veterans with and without PTSD, the study seeks to identify effective lifestyle interventions that could improve cardiometabolic health and reduce disability among this population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to targeted lifestyle interventions that significantly reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes in veterans with PTSD.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promising results in understanding the impact of lifestyle interventions on health outcomes in veterans, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * individuals must be age 18-75 * a military veteran or active military service member who has deployed or is scheduled to deploy in support of post-9/11 operations, such as: * Operation Iraqi Freedom * Operations Enduring Freedom * Operation New Dawn * there are no additional inclusion criteria for Aims 1 and 2 * however, for the Supplemental Aim, to be eligible to participate all interested veterans must have a diagnosis of PTSD (i.e., current or lifetime) Exclusion Criteria: * individuals will be excluded for a history of neurological illness or cognitive disorders other than TBI (e.g., Huntington's, Parkinson's, dementia, or Multiple Sclerosis), and non-TBI related seizures * additionally, individuals are excluded for a current diagnosis of psychotic disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, current suicidal or homicidal ideation/intention/planning * there are no additional exclusionary criteria for Aims 1 and 2 * however, for the Supplemental Aim, any participants with an absolute or relative contraindication to exercise testing as recommended by the American Thoracic Society and the American College of Chest Physicians (e.g., acute myocardial infarction, unstable angina, respiratory failure, uncontrolled asthma, orthopedic impairments that compromise exercise performance, uncontrolled heart failure and acute hypertension) will be excluded from the cardiorespiratory exercise test
Where it's running
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VA Boston Healthcare System Jamaica Plain Campus, Jamaica Plain, MA
Boston, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: James W Whitworth, PhD — VA Boston Healthcare System Jamaica Plain Campus, Jamaica Plain, MA
- Study coordinator: James W Whitworth, PhD
- Email: James.Whitworth@va.gov
- Phone: (617) 232-9500
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Cardio-Metabolic Clinic care for adults with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease
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Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Veterans With TBI and PCS
This study tests whether 40 HBOT sessions can change blood biomarkers in veterans with traumatic brain injury and persistent symptoms, and whether PTSD affects those biomarker changes.
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Petrelintide for weight loss in people with overweight/obesity and heart disease
This study tests whether petrelintide helps people with overweight or obesity and cardiovascular disease lose weight when added to a reduced-calorie diet and more physical activity, compared with a placebo.
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.