How moderate, vigorous, and short maximal exercise affect inflammation in sedentary overweight adults
Impact of Different Exercise Intensities and Durations on Systemic Inflammation - The ISAR InflEx Trial (Inflammation and Exercise) -
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 33 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Department of Cardiology German Heart Center Munich TUM University Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (München, Bavaria) |
| Trial ID | NCT07543666 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
München, Bavaria
- German Heart Centre — München, Bavaria, Germany (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Hendrik B Sager, MD
- Email: hendrik.sager@tum.de
- Phone: 00498912184025
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.