Exploring how different amounts of resistance exercise affect heart health

Dose-Response to Resistance Exercise on Cardiovascular Health

NA · University of Pittsburgh · NCT06619444

This study is testing how different amounts of resistance exercise can improve heart health in people at risk for cardiovascular disease.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment240 (estimated)
Ages40 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Pittsburgh (other)
Locations1 site (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
Trial IDNCT06619444 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project investigates the dose-response relationship between resistance exercise (RE) and cardiovascular health, focusing on how varying durations of RE impact cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of four groups, receiving either no RE or 30, 60, or 120 minutes of RE weekly, alongside a consistent aerobic exercise regimen. The study will track participants' health metrics over one year, including physical examinations and lifestyle education, to determine the optimal amount of RE for improving heart health. The first six months will involve supervised exercise sessions, while the latter half will assess adherence in a free-living environment with access to a health club.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are overweight or obese individuals who are inactive and do not meet current exercise guidelines.

Not a fit: Patients with unstable heart conditions, uncontrolled arrhythmias, or other serious medical issues may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide clearer guidelines for resistance exercise that enhance cardiovascular health and reduce disease risk.

How similar studies have performed: While many studies have focused on aerobic exercise, this investigation into resistance exercise is relatively novel and aims to fill a significant gap in current exercise guidelines.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Non-Smoker
* Overweight or Obese: Body Mass Index 25-43 kg/m2
* Inactive: not meeting the US resistance and aerobic exercise guidelines over the last 6 months
* Walking \<7,000 steps/day at baseline
* Capable of performing the required exercise training

Exclusion Criteria:

Absolute

* Unstable coronary heart disease or heart failure
* Uncontrolled arrhythmias or severe aortic stenosis
* Acute myocarditis, endocarditis, or pericarditis
* Cancer, requiring treatment in the past 5 years
* Autoimmune diseases, affecting immune system
* Plans to be away ≥4 weeks in the next 1 year
* Pregnancy/anticipated pregnancy during the study
* Other medical condition that is life-threatening or can interfere with or be aggravated by the exercise training
* Uncontrolled Diabetes (HbA1c ≥8.0),
* Hypertensive Blood Pressure ≥160 mm Hg Systolic and/or 100 mm Hg Diastolic,

Relative (should consult a physician)

* Major risk factors for coronary heart disease
* Uncontrolled diabetes or musculoskeletal limitations

Where this trial is running

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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: Cardiovascular Risk, Exercise

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.