Exercise frequency to reduce liver fat in obese adults
Examining the Optimal Exercise Frequency for Alleviating Liver Fat in Centrally Obese Adults With Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): A Comparative Randomized Controlled Trial
This study is testing whether exercising once a week or three times a week can help reduce liver fat in obese adults with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 300 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 69 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The University of Hong Kong Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong) |
| Trial ID | NCT05741957 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study examines the effectiveness of different exercise frequencies, specifically once-a-week versus thrice-a-week, in reducing liver fat among centrally obese adults with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: once-a-week exercise, thrice-a-week exercise, or a usual care control group that receives general health education. The interventions will last for four months, with outcome measures assessed at baseline, after the intervention, and at a six-month follow-up. The study aims to align exercise volumes with World Health Organization recommendations for physical activity.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are centrally obese adults aged 18-69 who are diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Not a fit: Patients with regular exercise habits, significant medical histories affecting exercise, or those with alcohol dependency may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into optimal exercise regimens for reducing liver fat, potentially improving health outcomes for patients with NAFLD.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with exercise interventions for NAFLD, but this specific comparison of exercise frequency is novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Cantonese, Mandarin, or English speaking Chinese; 2. Aged 18-69; 3. Male or female; 4. Centrally obese according to the Asian-specific cut-off (waist circumference ≥90 cm for males; ≥80 cm for females) and with BMI ≥23; 5. With NAFLD (defined as \>5% intrahepatic triglycerides assessed by 1H-MRS); 6. Willing to participate in exercise training to improve NAFLD. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Regular exercise training (\>3 sessions of \>60 min of moderate-intensity exercise training weekly) in the past 6 months; 2. Medical history of cardiovascular disease, chronic pulmonary or kidney disease, heart failure, cancer, and/or liver disease except NAFLD; 3. Somatic conditions that limit exercise participation (e.g., limb loss); 4. Impaired mobility due to chronic disease (e.g., chronic arthritis/osteoarthritis, neurological, musculoskeletal, and autoimmune diseases); 5. Daily smoking habit; 6. Excess alcohol consumption (daily ≥20 g of alcohol for men and ≥10 g for women) in the past 1 year; 7. Consumption of certain drugs (e.g., tamoxifen and estrogen) known to be secondary causes of steatosis; 8. Surgery, therapy, or medication for obesity or weight loss in the past 6 months (e.g., gastric bypass, gastric band, sleeve gastrectomy, gastric reduction duodenal switch, or dietitian-prescribed dietary program); 9. Physical changes that considerably affect body composition and weight (e.g., anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, prolonged gastrointestinal and digestive disorders) during the study period.
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong
- LKS Faculty of Medicine — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Parco M. Siu, PhD — LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong
- Study coordinator: Parco M. Siu, PhD
- Email: pmsiu@hku.hk
- Phone: 2831 5262
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.