Resistance Exercise for Cardiovascular Risk
(DoReps Trial)
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 consult with the trial coordinators or your doctor for guidance.
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Resistance Exercise for reducing cardiovascular risk?
Research shows that resistance exercise can improve cardiovascular health by enhancing muscle strength and endurance, and positively influencing cardiovascular risk factors, metabolism, and quality of life. It is particularly beneficial for patients with coronary heart disease and can be safely included in cardiac rehabilitation programs for those with good cardiac performance capacity.12345
Is resistance exercise generally safe for humans?
Resistance exercise is generally considered safe for humans, including those with cardiovascular conditions, as it can improve muscle strength and cardiovascular health without reported risks in studies. However, caution is advised for individuals with specific heart conditions due to potential blood pressure responses.26789
How does resistance exercise differ from other treatments for cardiovascular risk?
Resistance exercise, unlike many traditional cardiovascular treatments, focuses on building muscle strength and endurance, which can improve heart health and reduce risk factors. It is unique because it can be combined with aerobic exercise for enhanced benefits and is tailored to individual capabilities, making it a versatile option for improving cardiovascular health.157810
What is the purpose of this trial?
A large body of evidence indicates numerous health benefits of physical activity, including prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD), the leading cause of death in the US. This evidence has led to US Physical Activity Guidelines that recommend ≥150 min/week of moderate or ≥75 min/week of vigorous aerobic exercise (AE), plus resistance exercise (RE; such as weight lifting) on ≥2 days/week. To date, current research has mostly focused on AE, and we know a great deal about the dose-response relation between AE and health, resulting in clear and practical guidance to the public on the recommended "dose" in min/week. However, currently far less is known about the dose-response for RE: ≥2 days/week are recommended, but with no duration specified. Thus, this project aims to provide clarity on the dose relationship between RE and health. This project will significantly contribute to developing more effective CVD prevention approaches, advancing prescriptive intervention guidelines, by helping to fill the important gaps in knowledge on effective minimum dose, beneficial optimal dose, and safe maximum dose of RE for CVD prevention. Thus, advancing prescriptive intervention guidelines, and provide important insights for future science of physical activity and health.
Research Team
Duck-chul Lee, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of Pittsburgh
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for individuals at risk of cardiovascular disease who are interested in understanding how different amounts of resistance exercise can impact their heart health. There's no specific duration mentioned, but participants should be willing to engage in either aerobic or resistance exercises as per the study requirements.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants are randomly assigned to varying dosages of resistance exercise for 1 year, with baseline, 6-month, and 12-month physical examinations
Supervised Exercise
First 6 months of intervention in a supervised lab-based setting, assessing changes in CVD risk factors
Unsupervised Exercise
Second 6 months in a free-living environment with a health club membership, focusing on adherence
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for long-term effects and adherence to exercise regimen
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Resistance Exercise
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Pittsburgh
Lead Sponsor
Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH)
Collaborator
Iowa State University
Collaborator
University of California, Riverside
Collaborator
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Collaborator