Exercise for Physical Activity Benefits

(MoTrMito Trial)

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen by Owen T Carmichael, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Recruiting

Sponsor: Pennington Biomedical Research Center

Must not be taking: Beta blockers, Anticoagulants, Antidepressants, others

Disqualifiers: Diabetes, Hypertension, Cancer, others

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The goal of the study is to determine whether aerobic or resistant exercise can improve in vivo mitochondrial capacity of skeletal muscle cells similarly in healthy younger, middle aged and older adults. This confers long-term changes in this tissue which in-turn contribute to improved metabolic health and functional capacity through epigenetic regulation of novel exercise response genes.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial requires that you stop taking certain medications, such as lipid-lowering drugs, psychiatric drugs, and others listed in the exclusion criteria. If you are on any of these, you may need to stop them for at least 3 months before participating.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Isometric Contraction Exercise, Isometric Exercise, Static Contraction Exercise?

Research shows that isometric exercises, which involve muscle contractions without movement, can help reduce pain and increase muscle strength, especially after surgery or injury. They are beneficial for people who cannot perform traditional exercises due to pain or other limitations. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is isometric exercise safe for humans?

Isometric exercise can increase blood pressure and heart rate, which may be dangerous for people with high blood pressure or heart problems. Healthy individuals generally tolerate it well, but those with cardiovascular issues should be cautious and consult a healthcare provider before engaging in high-intensity isometric exercises. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

How is the treatment Isometric Contraction Exercise unique compared to other treatments for physical activity benefits?

Isometric Contraction Exercise is unique because it involves static muscle contractions that can be done in short durations, making it suitable for people with limited time or those unable to perform traditional exercises due to health conditions. Unlike other exercises, it can improve muscle strength without significant muscle growth and is beneficial for those with low cardiac reserve or painful joints. ^{2 6 11 12 13}

Research Team

Owen T Carmichael, PhD

Principal Investigator

Director, Biomedical Imaging Center, PBRC

Eligibility Criteria

Healthy adults aged 18-39, 40-59, and over 60 with a BMI between >19 to <35 kg/m2 who can consent and understand English. Excluded are those on certain medications, planning weight changes, with chronic diseases like diabetes or heart conditions, high blood pressure or abnormal blood tests, recent substance abuse including tobacco and excessive alcohol intake.

Inclusion Criteria

I can read and speak English well enough to understand medical instructions.

I am 60 years old or older.

My BMI is between 19 and 35.

Exclusion Criteria

Hematocrit (screening test)

I am not taking any benzodiazepines.

I have been diagnosed with COPD.

Trial Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Baseline Assessment

Pre-training 31P MRS measurement to assess phosphocreatine recovery rate

1 week

1 visit (in-person)

Exercise Training

Participants undergo aerobic or resistance exercise training to improve mitochondrial capacity

12 weeks

Regular visits for exercise sessions

Post-training Assessment

Post-training 31P MRS measurement to assess changes in phosphocreatine recovery rate

1 week

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after exercise training

4 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Isometric Contraction Exercise (Behavioural Intervention)

Trial Overview The study examines if aerobic or resistance exercise improves mitochondrial capacity in muscle cells across different age groups. It aims to see if these exercises affect metabolic health and functional capacity by changing how genes respond to exercise.

Participant Groups

Group I: Young Adults (Age group 18-39) Active Control 1 Intervention

31P-Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy exam on one thigh to measure mitochondrial capacity non-invasively after exercise training.

Group II: Middle Aged Adults (Age group 40-59) Active Control 1 Intervention

31P-Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy exam on one thigh to measure mitochondrial capacity non-invasively after exercise training.

Group III: Old Adults (Age group >60) Active Control 1 Intervention

31P-Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy exam on one thigh to measure mitochondrial capacity non-invasively after exercise training.

Find a Clinic Near You

Research Locations Nearby Select from list below to view details:

Pennington Biomedical Research Center Baton Rouge, LA

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Pennington Biomedical Research Center

Lead Sponsor

Trials

314

Patients Recruited

183,000+

AdventHealth Translational Research Institute

Collaborator

Trials

51

Patients Recruited

5,900+

Stanford University

Collaborator

Trials

2527

Patients Recruited

17,430,000+

Wake Forest University Health Sciences

Collaborator

Trials

1432

Patients Recruited

2,506,000+

University of Colorado, Denver

Collaborator

Trials

1842

Patients Recruited

3,028,000+

University of Pittsburgh

Collaborator

Trials

1820

Patients Recruited

16,360,000+

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

Collaborator

Trials

486

Patients Recruited

92,500+

Findings from Research

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of Video-Assisted Isometric Strengthening Exercise Program on Pain and Muscle Strength Poststabilization of Lower Limb Fracture. Lee, WL., Ramanathan, S., Danaee, M., et al.[2023]

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Therapeutic exercise in general practice. RODRIGUEZ, MJ.[2018]

In a study involving 91 patients with chronic midportion Achilles tendinopathy, isometric exercises did not provide any immediate pain relief during a functional task, as measured by a visual analogue scale (VAS).

The results suggest that isometric exercises should not be recommended for immediate analgesic benefit in this patient population, although all exercise protocols were well-tolerated and may warrant further investigation for long-term treatment.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Isometric exercises do not provide immediate pain relief in Achilles tendinopathy: A quasi-randomized clinical trial. van der Vlist, AC., van Veldhoven, PLJ., van Oosterom, RF., et al.[2021]

The MoVe ICU study will evaluate the effects of early rehabilitation using a bedside cycle ergometer on muscle morphology in 28 critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation, aiming to minimize neuromuscular complications from prolonged immobilization.

This study is significant as it will be the first randomized controlled trial to assess whether passive cycling can preserve the structure of key muscles, like the knee extensors and diaphragm, in ICU patients, potentially improving their recovery outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Early rehabilitation using a passive cycle ergometer on muscle morphology in mechanically ventilated critically ill patients in the Intensive Care Unit (MoVe-ICU study): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. dos Santos, LJ., de Aguiar Lemos, F., Bianchi, T., et al.[2018]

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Postsurgical management of the runner. Bonavilla, EJ.[2009]

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Hemodynamic effects of isometric exercise in normotensive and hypertensive subjects. Chrysant, SG.[2017]

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Static exercise--physiologic dangers and proper training techniques. Stopford, JL.[2008]

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Cardiovascular responses during isometric exercise following lengthening and shortening contractions. Seed, JD., St Peters, B., Power, GA., et al.[2020]

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Validity and reliability of the 'Isometric Exercise Scale' (IES) for measuring ratings of perceived exertion during continuous isometric exercise. Lea, JWD., O'Driscoll, JM., Coleman, DA., et al.[2021]

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Blood pressure and cardiac autonomic adaptations to isometric exercise training: A randomized sham-controlled study. Decaux, A., Edwards, JJ., Swift, HT., et al.[2022]

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Isometric exercise: cardiovascular responses in normal and cardiac populations. Hanson, P., Nagle, F.[2008]

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Regular physical exercise: way to healthy life. Siddiqui, NI., Nessa, A., Hossain, MA.[2022]

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[The effect of isometric exercises for cervical spine on blood pressure]. Curković, B., Puksec, M., Perić, P., et al.[2009]

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of Video-Assisted Isometric Strengthening Exercise Program on Pain and Muscle Strength Poststabilization of Lower Limb Fracture. [2023]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Therapeutic exercise in general practice. [2018]

3. Denmark pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Isometric exercises do not provide immediate pain relief in Achilles tendinopathy: A quasi-randomized clinical trial. [2021]

4. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Early rehabilitation using a passive cycle ergometer on muscle morphology in mechanically ventilated critically ill patients in the Intensive Care Unit (MoVe-ICU study): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. [2018]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Postsurgical management of the runner. [2009]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Hemodynamic effects of isometric exercise in normotensive and hypertensive subjects. [2017]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Static exercise--physiologic dangers and proper training techniques. [2008]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Cardiovascular responses during isometric exercise following lengthening and shortening contractions. [2020]

9. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Validity and reliability of the 'Isometric Exercise Scale' (IES) for measuring ratings of perceived exertion during continuous isometric exercise. [2021]

10. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Blood pressure and cardiac autonomic adaptations to isometric exercise training: A randomized sham-controlled study. [2022]

11. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Isometric exercise: cardiovascular responses in normal and cardiac populations. [2008]

12. Bangladesh pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Regular physical exercise: way to healthy life. [2022]

13. Croatia pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[The effect of isometric exercises for cervical spine on blood pressure]. [2009]