Exercise for Thalassemia
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
The goal of this clinical trial is to determine if a weight bearing exercise intervention can improve body composition and bone health in adolescents and adults with Thalassemia.
The main questions it aims to answer are:
* Does participation in a 12-week weight bearing exercise intervention change total body lean mass and percentage body fat (as assessed by DXA) in adolescents and adults with Thalassemia?
* Does participation in a 12-week weight bearing exercise intervention change muscle function (assessed by hand grip strength, sit to stand and vertical jump) and endurance (assessed by the 6 minute walk test) in adolescents and adults with Thalassemia?
* Does participation in a 36 week weight bearing exercise intervention (30 min/day; 5x/week) change bone mineral density as assessed by DXA in adolescents and adults with Thalassemia?
Researchers will compare participants' change in body composition, muscle mass, and muscle function during a "Usual Activity" period (12 weeks) with an exercise intervention (Period 1: 12 weeks) to see if exercise can improve body composition and muscle function.
The intervention will then be extended an additional 24 weeks for a total of 36 weeks of exercise (Period 2) to explore the change in bone mineral density between between "Usual Activity" and "Exercise Intervention" (Period 2) in individuals with Thalassemia.
During the intervention period, participants will engage in a self-directed exercise regime of either weight bearing aerobic exercise or strength training exercises (30 min/day; 5x/week).
Who Is on the Research Team?
Ellen Fung, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of California, San Francisco
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adolescents and adults with Thalassemia who are interested in how exercise affects their body composition and bone health. Participants will engage in a self-directed, weight-bearing exercise program to see if it improves muscle mass, strength, endurance, and bone density.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Usual Activity
Participants engage in their usual daily activities to establish baseline body composition and muscle function
Exercise Intervention Period 1
Participants engage in a 12-week weight bearing exercise intervention to improve body composition and muscle function
Exercise Intervention Period 2
Participants continue the exercise intervention for an additional 24 weeks to assess changes in bone mineral density
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after the exercise intervention
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Weight Bearing Exercise
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of California, San Francisco
Lead Sponsor