Heat pads versus high-intensity interval training to improve muscle and blood sugar in older adults with prediabetes

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This two-phase interventional study first compares daily local heat therapy applied to the thighs with high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and a temperature-control heat condition for 12 weeks, measuring muscle structure, capillary and mitochondrial markers, glucose tolerance, and physical function. In the second phase, participants who received heat or control therapy will then complete a 12-week HIIT program to see whether prior heat exposure changes the muscle and metabolic response to exercise. Participants attend multiple laboratory visits for baseline, mid, and end-of-phase assessments, keep logs of home heat-pad sessions, and undergo standardized exercise sessions in the lab. Primary outcome measures focus on skeletal muscle architecture, glucose regulation, and frailty-related physical function changes.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥ 50 years
* Women who are postmenopausal, defined as no menstrual period for at least 12 consecutive months.
* Sedentary (structured exercise \<30 minutes, 3x/week)
* Body weight is at least 110 lbs
* Meet criteria for prediabetes (fasting blood glucose 100-125 mg/dl, hemoglobin A1c 5.7-6.4%)
* Consume \<8 (women) or \<15 (men) alcohol-containing beverages per week
* Do not use nicotine or cannabis
* Not taking any medications that could interfere with responses to the interventions (e.g., corticosteroids, opiates, benzodiazepines, tricyclic antidepressants, beta blockers, sulfonylureas, insulin, metformin, anticoagulants, barbiturates, insulin sensitizers, fibrates, immunosuppressants). If you don't know, that's okay. We'll ask what medications you are on and check whether they fall into one of these categories.

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of peripheral neuropathies
* Currently taking prescription blood thinners
* Medical complications that could would contraindicate participation in the high intensity interval training (HIIT) intervention including: orthopedic complications that would limit your ability to perform cycling exercise, significant cardiovascular impairments (e.g., history of arrhythmias, severe uncontrolled hypertension, etc.), diagnosed metabolic disease (e.g., diabetes), renal disease, sickle cell anemia, or cancer in remission for \<6 months.
* Known history of slow wound healing
* Lidocaine allergy
* Latex allergy
* Currently pregnant
* \>1.5" subcutaneous fat over the thigh muscle
* Symptoms suggestive of cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, or renal diseases including discomfort, pressure, or pain in your chest, neck, jaw, arms, calves, or other areas potentially related to ischemia; shortness of breath at rest or with mild exertion; dizziness or fainting (syncope); difficulty breathing while lying flat (orthopnea) or sudden nighttime breathing difficulties (paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea); palpitations or rapid heartbeat (tachycardia); pain or cramping in your legs during physical activity (intermittent claudication); a known heart murmur; swelling in your ankles (edema); unusual fatigue or shortness of breath during routine activities or at rest.

Where it's running

• Texas Tech University
  Lubbock, Texas, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Hui-Ying Luk, PhD; Danielle Levitt, PhD — Texas Tech University
• Study coordinator: Hui-Ying Luk, PhD
• Email: huiying.luk@ttu.edu
• Phone: 8068340827

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.