How moderate, vigorous, and short maximal exercise affect inflammation in sedentary overweight adults
Official title: Impact of Different Exercise Intensities and Durations on Systemic Inflammation - The ISAR InflEx Trial (Inflammation and Exercise) -
Run by Department of Cardiology German Heart Center Munich TUM University Hospital · NCT07543666 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study will test whether three types of exercise—moderate-intensity, vigorous-intensity, and short maximal bouts—can reduce inflammation in sedentary adults with BMI 25.0–30.0 kg/m².
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 33 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Department of Cardiology German Heart Center Munich TUM University Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (München, Bavaria) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | June 2027 |
| Study ends | June 2027 |
| Registry record updated | April 24, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07543666 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are otherwise healthy, non-smoking adults aged 18–45 with BMI 25.0–30.0 kg/m² who lead a sedentary lifestyle (≤1 structured exercise session per week) and can follow the protocol.
✕Probably not a fit
People with acute or chronic illnesses, active smokers, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, regular medication users, or those outside the specified age/BMI ranges are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
The trial enrolls healthy, sedentary adults aged 18–45 with BMI 25.0–30.0 kg/m² and assigns them to one of three groups (n=11 each) that each complete two-week blocks of moderate, vigorous, and short maximal exercise in different sequences with three-week breaks between blocks. Blood samples are collected before, midway, and after each exercise block to measure leukocyte counts and other systemic immune and inflammatory markers. The primary outcome is change in blood leukocyte counts before and after each intervention; secondary analyses will compare broader immune-function and inflammatory profiles across modalities. The design allows within- and between-subject comparisons of how exercise intensity and duration influence systemic inflammation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the trial could identify which exercise pattern most effectively lowers systemic inflammation and may help prevent cardiovascular disease in overweight sedentary adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research shows regular physical activity can lower inflammatory markers, but head-to-head comparisons of these three specific intensity-duration regimens in sedentary overweight adults are limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * BMI 25.0 - 30.0 kg/m² * age 18 - 45 years * informed consent * no regular physical activity (≤1x/week of structured exercise) * willingness to strictly follow and adhere to the intervention protocol for the entire study Exclusion Criteria: * any acute or chronic illness * pregnancy and breastfeeding * active smoking * Regular use of medication
Where it's running
-
German Heart Centre
München, Bavaria, Germany Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Hendrik B Sager, MD
- Email: hendrik.sager@tum.de
- Phone: 00498912184025
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Weight-loss drugs tirzepatide vs. semaglutide in adults with obesity
This trial tests whether 12 weeks of tirzepatide or semaglutide have different effects on energy balance in adults with obesity but no diabetes.
-
Body composition changes after starting GLP-1 therapies in adults with obesity or type 2 diabetes
This study will follow adults with obesity and/or type 2 diabetes who are starting or adjusting a GLP-1 receptor agonist to see how their muscle and fat change over about a year.
-
Synbiotic for cognitive function in adults with obesity
A synbiotic containing Lactobacillus acidophilus and inulin is being tested to see if it improves cognitive function in adults with obesity and mild cognitive impairment.
-
Digital dietary help for people on GLP-1 therapy to reach better blood sugar and weight
This trial tests whether adding a digital dietary program (NutriSteppe) to usual care helps adults on GLP-1 medications see better blood sugar control and weight results.
-
Dramatherapy Added to Physical Activity for Obesity Care
This trial tests whether adding dramatherapy to a standard adapted physical activity program helps adults with obesity in bariatric or medical care improve psychosocial well‑being and weight-related outcomes.
-
Sedentary-time reduction and light activity plan to boost fitness before and after bariatric surgery
This study tests whether a structured program to reduce sitting and increase light physical activity can improve fitness and post-surgery outcomes for women planning bariatric surgery.
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.