Understanding how exercise affects blood vessels in aging adults

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 study aims to investigate the variability in the benefits of aerobic exercise on vascular health among middle-aged and older adults, focusing on differences between men and women. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a 12-week aerobic exercise program or a control group with no exercise. The study will assess various biological factors, including molecular signals and pathways, that may influence how exercise impacts vascular function. Data will be collected through biospecimens, fitness assessments, and health questionnaires to provide a comprehensive understanding of the effects of exercise on vascular health.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Ability to provide consent;
* Man or woman \>= 18 years;
* Willing to be randomized to an exercise or control intervention;
* No orthopedic limitations that would prevent the volunteer from performing treadmill or cycling exercise;
* No use of hormone therapy in postmenopausal women or in men (note, hormonal contraceptives in premenopausal women will be allowed);
* Healthy, as determined by medical history, physical examination, standard blood chemistries and ECG at rest and during a physician monitored graded exercise treadmill test;
* Sedentary or recreationally active (\<2 days/wk vigorous activity);
* No use of medications that might influence cardiovascular function (e.g., blood pressure and lipid lowering medications, metformin, insulin, sulfonylureas, etc.);
* No use of vitamins, supplements or anti-inflammatory medications, or willing to stop 1 month prior to enrollment and for the duration of the study;

Exclusion Criteria:

* Contraindications to aerobic exercise;
* Diabetic or fasted glucose \>126 mg/dL;
* Resting blood pressure \>= 140/90 mmHg;
* Current or past history of cancer other than skin cancer;
* Preexisting or active cardiac, renal or hepatic disease;
* History of stomach ulcer or bleeding or epilepsy or nervous system and/or seizure disorder;
* Active or chronic infection;
* An abnormal resting ECG, angina and/or ECG evidence of acute myocardial ischemia during the exercise test (development of ST-segment depression of more than 0.3 mV that is either horizontal, downsloping, or slowly upsloping- less than 1 mvolt/sec and lasts more than 0.08 sec; ST elevation; chest pain or discomfort), bundle branch block, AV block greater than first degree, arrhythmias;
* Thyroid dysfunction, defined as ultrasensitive TSH \<0.5 or \>5 mU/L. Participants with abnormal TSH values will be reconsidered for participation after follow-up with their PCP and initiation of thyroid replacement medications for at least 3 months;
* Smoking or tobacco use;
* Alcohol consumption \> 14 drinks/week;
* Body mass index \> 39kg/m2;

Where it's running

• University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Center, Clinical Translational Research Center and Exercise Research Laboratory
  Aurora, Colorado, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Kerrie Moreau, PhD
• Email: kerrie.moreau@cuanschutz.edu
• Phone: (303)-724-1914

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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.