Understanding why young adults born preterm struggle with exercise
Mitochondrial DNA Signatures of Poor Aerobic Exercise Trainability in Young Adults Born Preterm
This study is trying to find out why young adults born very preterm have a harder time getting fit through exercise compared to those born at term, by looking at their genetic makeup.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Texas Tech University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lubbock, Texas) |
| Trial ID | NCT06334107 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the reasons behind poor aerobic exercise trainability in young adults who were born very preterm (at or before 32 weeks gestation). It focuses on the role of mitochondrial DNA and its variants in influencing the ability to improve aerobic capacity through exercise training. Participants will include both preterm-born individuals and age-matched controls born at term, with assessments of their exercise responses and mitochondrial function. The goal is to identify genetic factors that may contribute to the lack of fitness improvement in this population.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are young adults aged 18-35 who were born preterm (less than 37 weeks gestation) and are currently inactive.
Not a fit: Patients who are highly active or those born at term may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to targeted interventions that enhance exercise trainability and overall health in young adults born preterm.
How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research specifically targeting this population, studies on mitochondrial function and exercise response have shown promising results in other groups.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Preterm born (PTB)young adult group: Participants must be inactive (reported exercise \< 150 mins/week; See IPAQ Attachment), males and females aged 18-35 years born preterm with a gestational age \<37 weeks. * Normal term-born (NTB) young adult control group: Participants must be inactive (reported exercise \< 150 mins/week) and will be age- and sex-matched and born at term (37 gestational age). * The biological mother of PTB participants: The PTB biological birth mother must be the one who gave birth to the participant and the one from whom the child inherited half of its genetic background (i.e., DNA). * PTB and NTB young adults must pass the PAR-Q+ Questionnaire assessment, indicating readiness to begin a moderate-intensity exercise training program. We will follow the American College of Sports Medicine\'s aerobic exercise training program participation guidelines. Subjects who are cleared via the PAR-Q+ assessment will be permitted to participate in the training program. Exclusion Criteria: • PTB and NTB young adults only: Having a diagnosed bronchopulmonary hyperplasia, cardiovascular (cardiac or peripheral arterial disease), metabolic (Diabetes Mellitus Type 1 or 2), or renal or liver disease, and signs or symptoms of these conditions, including pain: discomfort in the chest, neck, jaw, arms, or other areas that may result from ischemia; shortness of breath at rest or with mild exertion; dizziness or syncope; orthopnea or paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea; ankle edema; palpitations or tachycardia; intermittent claudication; known heart murmur; unusual fatigue or shortness of breath with usual activity.
Where this trial is running
Lubbock, Texas
- Texas Tech University | Kinesiology and Sport Management Building — Lubbock, Texas, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Heather L Vellers, Ph.D.
- Email: heather.l.vellers@ttu.edu
- Phone: 8068348554
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.