Peer Support for Physical Activity in Women with HIV and High Blood Pressure

Overseen By Kaylee C Crockett, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Female

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Alabama at Birmingham

Disqualifiers: Pregnant, Cognitive deficit, Serious mental illness, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores whether having a peer (another woman in a similar situation) can help women with HIV and high blood pressure stay active. The main goal is to determine if this type of peer support is practical and helpful. Participants in one group will receive regular motivational calls or texts from a peer, while another group will follow a prescribed activity plan with home blood pressure checks. Women who have HIV and high blood pressure, are at least 40 years old, can move around independently, and have access to a phone might be a good fit for this study. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could enhance support systems for women facing similar health challenges.

Do I have to stop taking my current medications for this trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on physical activity, so you may not need to change your medication routine, but it's best to confirm with the trial organizers.

What prior data suggests that this peer-supported intervention is safe for women with HIV and high blood pressure?

Research has shown that peer support for physical activity is generally safe for women living with HIV and high blood pressure. This support involves regular phone or text check-ins to motivate and encourage participants. While specific data on negative effects from peer support is lacking, this method focuses on behavior change rather than medication, suggesting it is likely well-tolerated.

Regular exercise benefits people with HIV. Studies indicate that it can help manage blood pressure and improve overall health. In this trial, peer support encourages exercise, a healthy habit rather than a medical treatment. Therefore, significant safety concerns are not expected with this approach. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the peer support treatment for women with HIV and high blood pressure because it offers a unique approach to managing physical activity, crucial for these conditions. Unlike standard treatments that might include medication and lifestyle advice, this method involves regular, personalized support through phone or text. This peer interaction is designed to motivate and encourage adherence to physical activity goals, potentially leading to better health outcomes by fostering a supportive community atmosphere that traditional treatments lack.

What evidence suggests that peer support is effective for increasing physical activity in women with HIV and high blood pressure?

Research has shown that support from others can significantly increase physical activity, particularly for women with HIV and high blood pressure. In this trial, participants in the peer support arm will receive weekly peer contacts via phone or text message to assess progress toward their physical activity goals and provide motivational counseling and support. Studies have found that increased activity can help control weight and improve heart health, which is crucial for people with HIV. Peer support involves regular communication with someone who understands the challenges faced and can offer encouragement and motivation. This support can facilitate adherence to an exercise plan. While specific evidence for this approach is still being collected, the benefits of exercise for people with HIV are well-established. ^{1 2 4 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Kaylee B Crockett, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for women over 40 living with HIV and hypertension who can walk on their own. They must have a personal phone, speak English, and be willing to wear an activity tracker for two weeks during the study. It's not open to pregnant women or those unable to consent due to cognitive issues, serious mental illness, or active substance use.

Inclusion Criteria

Access to a personal phone for study-related phone calls

I am a woman diagnosed with HIV.

I can walk on my own without help.

Exclusion Criteria

Pregnant

I am able to understand and consent to my treatment.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Baseline Assessment

Baseline assessments including physical activity, blood pressure, and social support measurements

1 week

1 visit (in-person)

Intervention

Participants receive a 12-week physical activity intervention with peer support for the experimental group and physical activity prescription for the control group

12 weeks

Weekly peer contacts (phone/text) for experimental group

Mid-point Assessment

Mid-point assessments of physical activity, self-efficacy, social support, and blood pressure

1 week

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after the intervention

4 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Peer Support

Trial Overview The study tests a peer-supported program that encourages physical activity among women with HIV and high blood pressure. Participants will receive exercise guidance, monitor their blood pressure themselves, and get support from peers.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Peer support arm Experimental Treatment 3 Interventions

Women in the peer support arm will receive weekly peer contacts via phone or text message to assess progress towards study-assigned physical activity goal/prescription and to provide motivational counseling and support.

Group II: Control arm Active Control 2 Interventions

Women in the control arm will receive physical activity prescription and home blood pressure monitoring, but will not receive peer support calls.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,677

Recruited

2,458,000+

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)

Collaborator

Trials

3,987

Recruited

47,860,000+

Citations

1. patlynk.com patlynk.com/trial/NCT07025109

Behavioral Physical Activity Intervention for Women With ... This study aims to test a special program that encourages women aged 40 and above, who are living with both HIV and high blood pressure, ...

2. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-motor-activity-9-2025-66322

Peer Support for Physical Activity in Women with HIV and ... This clinical trial will assess the acceptability and feasibility of a peer-supported behavioral physical activity intervention for women living with HIV and ...

3. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7315582/

Physical Activity Trends and Metabolic Health Outcomes in ... We previously reported that women with HIV have elevated body fat levels regardless of body weight, thus increasing PA may be particularly ...

4. who.int who.int/docs/default-source/physical-activity/call-for-consultation/evidence-on-pa-and-hiv2.pdf?sfvrsn=5a576e1f_4

Benefits of physical activity for people living with HIV and ... Evidence of increased blood pressure and hypertension risk among people living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

5. mhealth.jmir.org mhealth.jmir.org/2022/4/e33938

and High-Intensity Physical Activity Among People with HIV ... We designed this study to test the effects of daily experiences on physical activity among people with HIV, including measures of people's conscious ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5950700/

Physical activity among HIV-positive patients receiving ... This study looked to determine the physical activity level and its associated factors among patients with HIV receiving ART treatment.

7. physio-pedia.com physio-pedia.com/Exercise_for_People_Living_with_HIV

Exercise for People Living with HIV Regular exercise can also reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes by altering blood lipid profiles and insulin ...