25 Participants Needed

Focused Muscle Contraction Therapy for Veteran Wellbeing

NI
IS
Overseen ByIlaria Santi
Age: 18+
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: University of Illinois at Chicago
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Trial Summary

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the study team or your doctor.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Focused Muscle Contraction Therapy for Veteran Wellbeing?

Research shows that supervised exercise programs can improve cardiovascular fitness and psychological well-being in older veterans. For example, a study found significant improvements in treadmill performance and well-being scores after a 1-year exercise program. Additionally, exercise is recognized as beneficial for managing various chronic diseases, suggesting its potential effectiveness in enhancing veteran well-being.12345

Is Focused Muscle Contraction Therapy safe for humans?

Exercise interventions, including resistance training and physical activity programs, are generally safe for humans. Serious adverse events are rare, though minor issues like muscle injuries can occur, especially in sedentary or older individuals. Starting with low intensity and gradually increasing can help minimize risks.678910

How does the Focused Muscle Contraction Therapy treatment differ from other treatments for veteran wellbeing?

Focused Muscle Contraction Therapy, which involves aerobic and resistance training, is unique because it combines physical exercise with mindfulness practices, making it familiar and acceptable to veterans, especially those with PTSD. This approach not only targets physical health but also aims to improve mental health and quality of life by reducing PTSD symptoms and enhancing resilience.1112131415

What is the purpose of this trial?

This research study is being done to investigate if the GH Method exercise program positively affects body composition, improves physical abilities and can improve the overall sense of wellbeing (e.g. depression, PTSD, etc.) in U.S. Veterans. Subjects will be asked to complete 94 total visits (four (4) study testing visits and 90 exercise visits). Enrolled subjects will be tested for fitness, strength, and health risk factors at UIC 4 times and will complete 90 exercise training visits at the GH FITLab over the next 18 months. Subjects will also be asked to complete questionnaires about depression, post-traumatic stress symptoms and thoughts about harming oneself.

Research Team

EB

Enrico Benedetti, MD

Principal Investigator

University of Illinois at Chicago

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for U.S. Veterans over 18 who are patients at the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, experiencing pain, fatigue, or reduced ability to perform activities. They must pass a health questionnaire or have doctor's clearance and be able to travel to the training center and comply with the program.

Inclusion Criteria

I experience pain, fatigue, or struggle with daily activities.
I have passed a fitness assessment or have doctor's approval for physical activity.
Patients at the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center
See 1 more

Exclusion Criteria

I am unable to understand and give consent for treatment.
I cannot travel to the training center.
Unable to understand the study
See 1 more

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Baseline Testing

Initial baseline visit to measure fitness, strength, and health risk factors

1 day
1 visit (in-person)

Exercise Training Phase 1

Participants engage in exercise training twice a week for the first 6 months

6 months
52 visits (in-person)

Exercise Training Phase 2

Participants engage in exercise training once a week from 6 to 12 months

6 months
26 visits (in-person)

Exercise Training Phase 3

Participants engage in exercise training twice a month from 12 to 18 months

6 months
12 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in body composition, physical abilities, and mental health

18 months
4 visits (in-person)

Treatment Details

Interventions

  • Exercise Intervention
Trial Overview The study tests if the GH Method exercise program can improve body composition, physical abilities, and wellbeing in veterans dealing with issues like depression or PTSD. It requires four fitness testing visits and ninety exercise sessions at GH FITLab over 18 months.
Participant Groups
1Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Group I: Investigate the effects of an exercise intervention on U.S. Veterans.Experimental Treatment1 Intervention
A total of 25 U.S. Veterans (≥ 18 years of age), who suffer from pain, fatigue, low energy levels or are unable to physically do things they were once able to do, will be enrolled.

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Illinois at Chicago

Lead Sponsor

Trials
653
Recruited
1,574,000+

Findings from Research

A study involving 69 elderly veterans, many with chronic illnesses, showed that a structured exercise program significantly improved cardiovascular fitness over 4 months, with notable increases in metabolic equivalents and treadmill performance.
The exercise intervention, consisting of 90 minutes of activity three times a week, was well-attended (65% average) and demonstrated that even those with chronic conditions can benefit from regular physical activity.
Evaluation of a supervised exercise program in a geriatric population.Morey, MC., Cowper, PA., Feussner, JR., et al.[2019]
In a study of 43 elderly veterans participating in a supervised exercise program, significant improvements in well-being were observed, with the Psychological General Well-Being Index score increasing from 83.0 to 89.4 after one year (p = .01).
The exercise intervention, consisting of 90 minutes of activity three times a week, also led to significant enhancements in cardiovascular fitness, as indicated by improved treadmill performance (p = .004), highlighting the physiological benefits of regular exercise in older adults.
The impact of supervised exercise on the psychological well-being and health status of older veterans.Cowper, PA., Morey, MC., Bearon, LB., et al.[2017]
An 8-week exercise-based rehabilitation program for cancer survivors was found to be safe and feasible, with 61% of eligible participants starting the program and high satisfaction reported among attendees.
Participants showed clinically significant improvements in physical function and quality of life, with an average increase of 73 meters in walking distance and an 8-unit increase in quality of life scores, indicating the program's effectiveness.
Bridging the gap: a pre-post feasibility study of embedding exercise therapy into a co-located cancer unit.Dennett, AM., Zappa, B., Wong, R., et al.[2021]

References

Evaluation of a supervised exercise program in a geriatric population. [2019]
The impact of supervised exercise on the psychological well-being and health status of older veterans. [2017]
Bridging the gap: a pre-post feasibility study of embedding exercise therapy into a co-located cancer unit. [2021]
Exercise training for African Americans with disabilities residing in difficult social environments. [2022]
Exercise as medicine - evidence for prescribing exercise as therapy in 26 different chronic diseases. [2022]
Screening, safety, and adverse events in physical activity interventions: collaborative experiences from the behavior change consortium. [2022]
Adverse events among high-risk participants in a home-based walking study: a descriptive study. [2022]
Adverse events in mobility-limited and chronically ill elderly adults participating in an exercise intervention study supported by general practitioner practices. [2015]
Minimal-Dose Resistance Training for Improving Muscle Mass, Strength, and Function: A Narrative Review of Current Evidence and Practical Considerations. [2022]
Resistance training and health in adults: an overview of systematic reviews. [2021]
Veterans Group Exercise: A randomized pilot trial of an Integrative Exercise program for veterans with posttraumatic stress. [2022]
12.United Statespubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Trauma-afflicted refugees' experiences of participating in physical activity and exercise treatment: a qualitative study based on focus group discussions. [2020]
13.United Statespubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
The Warrior Wellness Study: A Randomized Controlled Exercise Trial for Older Veterans with PTSD. [2020]
14.United Statespubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Tai Chi for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: A Pilot Study. [2018]
Clinical feasibility of cervical exercise to improve neck pain, body function, and psychosocial factors in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder: a randomized controlled trial. [2020]
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