High-Intensity Interval Training for Respiratory Diseases

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

+1 other location

Overseen byLindsay Forbes, MD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: University of Colorado, Denver

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

Some military personnel who have been exposed to burn pit emissions, desert dust, and other airborne hazards experience new respiratory symptoms after deployment. The goal of this clinical trial is to learn about exercise in veterans with new respiratory symptoms after deployment to Southwest Asia. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Do veterans with new respiratory symptoms after deployment have heart or lung abnormalities that contribute to difficulty exercising? 2. Does high-intensity interval training (HIIT) improve fitness and symptoms? Study participants will complete the following: 1. Study Visits 1A and 1B: Exercise test (VO2max test), echocardiogram (heart ultrasound), blood tests, questionnaires 2. Exercise program: 12 weeks of 3x/week supervised HIIT on upright stationary bicycle (\~40 minutes each) and 3x/week home aerobic exercise (45 minutes each) 3. Study Visits 2A and 2B: Exercise test (VO2max test), echocardiogram (heart ultrasound), blood tests, questionnaires

Research Team

Silpa Krefft, MD

Principal Investigator

VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System

William Cornwell, MD, MSCS

Principal Investigator

University of Colorado, Denver

Lindsay Forbes, MD

Principal Investigator

University of Colorado, Denver

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for veterans with new breathing difficulties after being deployed to Southwest Asia since September 2001. They must live close to Rocky Mountain Regional VA, be vaccinated against COVID-19, and able to do high-intensity exercise. Excluded are those with uncontrolled heart or lung diseases, severe obesity or underweight conditions, certain blood disorders like anemia, active smokers, and pregnant women.

Inclusion Criteria

I have lung problems or asthma linked to my service, or I get unusually out of breath with activity.

I live within 90 miles of Rocky Mountain Regional VA and can attend in-person sessions.

I started having new breathing problems during or after deployment.

See 3 more

Exclusion Criteria

Pre-deployment history of cardiovascular or pulmonary disease

Body mass index <18.5 or >45

I do not have any uncontrolled heart or lung conditions.

See 5 more

Treatment Details

Interventions

Exercise training (Behavioral Intervention)

Trial OverviewThe study tests if a 12-week program of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on stationary bikes can improve fitness and respiratory symptoms in these veterans. It includes initial and follow-up tests for heart and lung function as well as questionnaires about their health status.

Participant Groups

1Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Veterans with respiratory symptomsExperimental Treatment1 Intervention