Polarized aerobic training and vascular changes in sedentary adults
Official title: Adaptations of Vascular and Cardiorespiratory Function to a 6-week Polarized Aerobic Training Model in Apparently Healthy Individuals
Run by University of Ljubljana · NCT07665632 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether a 6-week polarized aerobic training program improves blood vessel function and cardiovascular fitness in sedentary adults aged 30–50 who are otherwise healthy.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 30 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Ljubljana Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | cart |
| Locations | 1 site (Ljubljana) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 25, 2026 |
| Main results expected | November 20, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 20, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | August 24, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07665632 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are sedentary adults aged 30–50 without diagnosed cardiovascular, metabolic, or renal disease and not taking medications affecting cardiovascular function.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with elevated blood pressure, BMI ≥30 kg/m², regular exercise history, or contraindications to exercise may derive limited benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
In this single-center, assessor-blinded randomized trial, 30 sedentary adults will be assigned to either a supervised polarized aerobic training program or a non-exercising control for six weeks. The training combines predominantly low-intensity cycling with a smaller amount of high-intensity interval work, with intensity prescribed by individual ventilatory thresholds. Researchers will assess vascular and cardiorespiratory function across multiple domains to understand how this training modality affects haemodynamics, microvascular function, neuromuscular efficiency, respiration, and biochemistry. The trial is part of the ACT-ON project and aims to clarify whether polarized training yields vascular benefits in a non-athlete population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants could see improvements in vascular function and overall cardiovascular health, even with a short, six-week training program.
How similar studies have gone: Polarized training has shown benefits in athletes, but its vascular effects in sedentary adults are less established, making this trial exploratory.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Men and women aged 30-50 years * Apparently healthy individuals without diagnosed cardiovascular, metabolic, or renal disease * Sedentary lifestyle verified using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) and current physical activity classification criteria * Ambulatory blood pressure values within the normotensive range (\<140 mmHg systolic and \<90 mmHg diastolic) * Body mass index (BMI) \<30 kg/m² * No regular participation in structured exercise training Exclusion Criteria: * Ambulatory blood pressure values ≥140 mmHg systolic and/or ≥90 mmHg diastolic * Moderate or high physical activity level according to the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) * Diagnosed chronic cardiovascular, metabolic, renal, respiratory, or other systemic disease * Use of prescribed medication influencing cardiovascular or metabolic function * Musculoskeletal injury of the lower extremities within the previous six months * Menopause * Absence of a regular menstrual cycle * Pregnancy * Current smoking or tobacco use
Where it's running
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University of Ljubljana, Faculty of sport
Ljubljana, Slovenia Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Armin Paravlić, PhD — University of Ljubljana
- Study coordinator: Gašper Tunšek, MSc
- Email: gasper.turnsek@fsp.uni-lj.si
- Phone: +38651302949
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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.