Exercise Programs for High-Risk Metabolic Syndrome

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Age: 18+

Sex: Female

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: Georgetown University

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?Among African-American women, in whom metabolic syndrome (MetS) is very prevalent and breast cancer mortality rates are high, it is hypothesized that intervening on MetS to improve the MetS profile may prove to be a means to reduce breast cancer risk. Specific recommendations for breast cancer prevention are now focused on maintaining a healthy weight via increased physical activity levels, and losing weight if overweight or obese. This pilot project compares two exercise interventions: a supervised facility-based and a home-based exercise intervention to a control group in African-American women with metabolic syndrome who are at high risk for breast cancer. This study is a 6-month three-arm RCT to assess the impact of the exercise interventions on biomarkers related to obesity, insulin-related pathways, inflammation, hormones, and micro-RNAs. The specific aim of the proposed study is to compare the impact of a supervised facility-based and a home-based exercise intervention on obesity, metabolic syndrome and known breast cancer biomarkers in postmenopausal African-American women with metabolic syndrome who are at increased risk of breast cancer.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for African-American postmenopausal women aged 45-65 with metabolic syndrome, living near the Navy Yard stop on the green line. They must read and speak English, have a cell phone, be able to consent, get medical clearance, and not be pregnant or planning pregnancy. Excluded are those in other trials, on weight loss programs or with physical limitations preventing exercise.

Inclusion Criteria

Have a cell phone with texting capabilities

Have medical clearance from a physician or nurse practitioner

I am a postmenopausal African-American woman, aged 45-65, with a waist over 35 inches.

+5 more

Exclusion Criteria

I have not gone through menopause.

I have had cancer before, but not skin cancer.

I cannot exercise due to physical limitations.

+6 more

Participant Groups

The study compares two types of exercise interventions: supervised facility-based and home-based exercises against no intervention in reducing obesity-related biomarkers that may increase breast cancer risk. It's a 6-month randomized controlled trial focusing on improving metabolic health to potentially lower breast cancer risk.

3Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Home-Based Exercise InterventionExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Home-Based Exercise Intervention Group The participants randomized to this intervention arm will be required to meet and maintain a goal of 150 min/wk of moderate intensity exercise for 6 months, the same as the supervised intervention group. Their exercise goal will be to achieve a total of 10,000 steps per day, as measured by pedometers. Participants will be required to have a cell phone with text messaging capabilities.

Group II: Facility-Based Exercise InterventionExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Supervised Facility-Based Exercise Intervention Arm The participants randomized to the exercise group will be required to meet and maintain a goal of 150 min/wk of moderate intensity exercise for 6 months. This intervention will use heart rate and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) to define moderate intensity. Participants will exercise for the prescribed duration at a heart rate in the range of 45-65% of their maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max), as determined during baseline testing, and with an RPE in the range of 11-14 on the 20-point scale. The exercise will primarily utilize treadmills and exercise bikes.

Group III: ControlActive Control1 Intervention

After baseline testing, the control group will be asked to maintain their current daily activities and exercise habits for the duration of the study (6 months). The control group will have measurements at the same time periods as the participants in the intervention arm through the completion of the study. Participants will be seen for follow-up at 3 and 6 months (study completion). The participants in the control group will receive the same incentives as those in the intervention arms (gift cards). Since the women in the control group are obese, with components of metabolic syndrome, and at relatively high risk for breast cancer, we are providing healthy lifestyle information to the group, via text messages.