Exploring the effects of exercise on children's health with chronic diseases

Revamping Exercise Assessments in Child Health (Project REACH)

Not applicable Interventional University of California, Irvine · NCT05359991

This study is testing how exercise can improve the health of children with chronic diseases like cystic fibrosis and sickle cell disease to find safe ways for them to be active.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment240 (estimated)
Ages10 Years to 17 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of California, Irvine Academic / other
Locations1 site (Irvine, California)
Trial IDNCT05359991 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This investigation focuses on understanding the biological effects of exercise in children with chronic conditions such as cystic fibrosis and sickle cell disease. The study aims to establish safe and beneficial levels of physical activity for these children, recognizing the importance of physical activity in their growth and overall health. It is a collaborative effort among three major NIH Clinical Translational Science Awardees, utilizing a comprehensive approach to measure physical fitness and activity across various pediatric health scenarios. The study will involve exercise interventions and assessments to gather data on the impact of physical activity on health outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children aged 10-17 with a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis or sickle cell disease who are in relatively good health.

Not a fit: Patients with significant complications from cystic fibrosis or sickle cell disease, or those with other disabilities that impair participation in physical activity, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved health outcomes and quality of life for children with chronic diseases through tailored exercise programs.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in exploring the benefits of exercise in pediatric populations with chronic conditions, indicating that this approach is both relevant and potentially impactful.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Sickle Cell Disease

* Tanner 1-5, corresponding approximately to ages 10-17 y/o
* SCD diagnosis including all relevant genotypes
* Determined to be in relatively good health as a patient with SCD with no complications from SCD that would render participation the study unadvisable
* No evidence of other disease or disability that would impair participation in PA
* Physician permission to perform CPET
* BMI within the average range for age and condition

Cystic Fibrosis

* Confirmed diagnosis of CF based on either two CF-causing mutations and/or a sweat chloride concentration of \> 60 mmol/l after a positive newborn screening test or on two separate occasions
* Tanner 1-5 corresponding approximately to ages 10-17 y/o as documented by a licensed independent provider at screening, or by a validated self-assessment tool
* Determined to be in relatively good health as a patient with CF with no complications from CF that would render participation the study unadvisable as determined by a physician. Examples include history of submassive or massive hemoptysis or moderate to severe pulmonary hypertension.
* BMI in the average range for age and condition
* No evidence of other disease or disability that would impair participation in PA

Comparison (Healthy control)

* Tanner 1-5 corresponding approximately to ages 10-17 y/o
* Determined to be in good health by pre-participation history and physical examination performed by primary care providers or PERC staff
* BMI and PA participation (by history) in the average range for age
* No evidence of disease or disability that would impair participation in PA

Comparison (SARS-CoV-2)

* Tanner 1-5 corresponding approximately to ages 10-17 y/o
* Documented SARS-CoV-2 infection
* Capable of doing exercise as determined by primary care providers or PERC a medical officer

Exclusion Criteria:

Sickle Cell Disease Treatment for substance or alcohol abuse

* Requiring chronic monthly transfusions
* Other conditions that preclude exercise such as neuromotor disease, heart disease, or any other condition that would prevent a child from participating in PA

Cystic Fibrosis Treatment for substance or alcohol abuse

* Other conditions that preclude exercise (such as neuromotor disease, heart disease, or any other condition that would prevent a child from participating in PA)
* FEV1 \< 40% predicted based on Global Lung Index equations
* Current infection with Burkholderia cenocepacia or Mycobacterium abscessus

Comparison (Healthy control) Treatment for substance or alcohol abuse or chronic medication use • Determination by PERC staff of unsuitability for exercise

Comparison (SARS-CoV-2) Treatment for substance or alcohol abuse or chronic medication use

• Determination by PERC staff of unsuitability for exercise

Where this trial is running

Irvine, California

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 Cystic FibrosisSickle Cell DiseaseSARS CoV 2 Infection
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.