Recreation Enhancement for Metabolic Syndrome
(BEAR Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to determine if participating in fun, recreational activities can reduce the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and other related health issues. Researchers seek to discover if promoting these activities can replace unhealthy behaviors, such as poor diet and lack of exercise. Participants who engage in recreation less than four times a week and have lower cardiometabolic health might be suitable candidates. The study will compare individuals who maintain their usual activities with those who receive support to try new recreational activities. As a Phase 1 trial, the research focuses on understanding how these activities affect people, offering participants a chance to contribute to groundbreaking insights.
Do I need to stop my current medications for this trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It is best to discuss this with the study team or your doctor.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research has shown that participating in recreational activities can safely improve health and lower the risk of heart disease and conditions like diabetes. Studies have found that playing sports such as soccer can significantly enhance heart health and fitness. These activities help reduce factors that lead to heart disease and diabetes.
One study demonstrated that an exercise program significantly lowered risk scores for heart and metabolic health. This suggests that physical activities, even when done casually, are generally safe and beneficial. Additionally, research indicates that regular exercise affects over 100 markers related to how the body uses energy and nutrients.
Overall, these findings suggest that recreational activities are usually safe and can boost health, especially when included in a structured program. While specific safety details for this trial's recreational activities aren't provided, the general evidence supports their safety.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the Recreation Enhancement approach for metabolic syndrome because it focuses on incorporating recreational activities into daily life to reduce cardiometabolic risks. Unlike traditional treatments that might rely on medication or strict dietary changes, this method encourages lifestyle changes that can be more enjoyable and sustainable in the long run. By helping participants identify and engage in fun activities, this approach aims to displace harmful behaviors and promote healthier habits. This could lead to not only physical health improvements but also enhanced mental well-being, making it a holistic alternative to current treatment options.
What evidence suggests that this trial's Recreation Enhancement treatment could be effective for cardiometabolic conditions?
Research shows that participating in recreational activities can significantly improve heart and metabolic health. Studies have found that playing sports like recreational soccer boosts fitness and lowers risks related to heart and metabolic issues. One study showed a clear health benefit, with a reduction in risk by about 0.38 standard deviations. Physical activity in general protects against heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Different types of exercise, especially when combined, are particularly effective in improving health. In this trial, participants in the Recreation Enhancement arm will receive support to identify and engage in recreational activities that may displace cardiometabolic risk behaviors. These findings suggest that recreation-focused activities could help reduce behaviors that increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes.12367
Who Is on the Research Team?
Bradley M Appelhans, PhD
Principal Investigator
Rush University Medical Center
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults at risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and other cardiometabolic conditions. Participants should engage in behaviors like poor diet or physical inactivity. The study excludes details on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Observational Cohort
Participants are enrolled into an observational cohort to assess cardiometabolic health using the Life's Essential 8 scoring system.
Intervention
A subset of participants is randomized to a recreation-focused intervention to promote recreational activities as a strategy to displace cardiometabolic risk behaviors.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in LE8 scores, demand for rewarding activities, and health behaviors.
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Recreation Enhancement
Trial Overview
The BEAR pilot study tests if enhancing recreational activities can improve health by displacing unhealthy behaviors. It uses a TwiC design where some participants are chosen to receive the intervention while others continue normal activities without knowing about the ongoing intervention.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Participants in the Recreation Enhancement arm will be supported in identifying and engaging in recreational activities that may displace cardiometabolic risk behaviors.
Participants in the Continued Observation arm will undergo regular assessment visits as part of the larger observational cohort study.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Rush University Medical Center
Lead Sponsor
Citations
Cardiometabolic Risk Reduction through Recreational ...
Conclusions: We found significant cardiometabolic and fitness improvements following group sport participation, primarily recreational soccer. Findings suggest ...
Cardiometabolic Risk Reduction Through Recreational ...
We found significant cardiometabolic and fitness improvements following group sport participation, primarily recreational soccer. These findings suggest that ...
Effects of an Exercise Program on Cardiometabolic and ...
Our study has demonstrated a sizable reduction in cardiometabolic risk (approximately 0.38 SDs), and the within-individual change showed more ...
Physical activity and cardiovascular-metabolic disease risk ...
Our study confirms that physical activity provides significant protective effects against heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cardiovascular ...
Comparative Efficacy of 5 Exercise Types on ...
Combined training was the most effective modality and hybrid-type training the second most effective in improving cardiometabolic health-related outcomes in ...
Physical Activity, Sedentary Leisure Time, Circulating ...
Physical activity and sedentary leisure time were associated with >100 metabolic markers, with patterns of associations generally mirroring each other.
Relationship between Change in Physical Activity and Risk ...
This study investigates the relationship between changes in physical activity levels and risk of metabolic syndrome. This study examined 1686 adults aged 40 ...
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