Functional Fitness for Obesity with Limited Mobility

(COBRE Pilot Trial)

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Kansas

Disqualifiers: Age, Recent disability, BMI, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 72

Duration: 24 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a workout program called high-intensity functional training (HIFT) for individuals with mobility challenges who are also overweight or obese. The goal is to determine if this exercise type aids in weight loss and improves health issues like high blood pressure and cholesterol. The trial lasts six months, with participants exercising three times a week. Individuals who have experienced mobility issues for at least a year, are overweight, and have never participated in this type of fitness program before might be suitable candidates. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to explore a new fitness approach that could significantly enhance health and well-being.

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 trial coordinators or your doctor.

What prior data suggests that this functional fitness intervention is safe for adults with mobility-related disabilities?

Research has shown that high-intensity functional training (HIFT) might be a safe option for people with mobility-related disabilities who also face obesity. One study found that a community-based HIFT program was feasible and could improve health for adults with these conditions. Participants completed the program without major issues, indicating that HIFT is generally well-tolerated.

Although specific side effects were not detailed in the available studies, the testing of these programs for people with similar conditions suggests they are safe and accepted. Those considering joining a trial should consult their healthcare provider to ensure it aligns with their health needs. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Functional Fitness treatment for obesity with limited mobility because it offers a tailored approach to improving physical health through specific exercises. Unlike standard treatments that often focus on diet or medication, Functional Fitness emphasizes enhancing daily movement and strength, which can be particularly beneficial for those with mobility challenges. This approach not only aims to reduce weight but also to improve overall quality of life by making everyday activities easier and more manageable.

What evidence suggests that this functional fitness intervention is effective for obesity with limited mobility?

Research has shown that high-intensity functional training (HIFT) can improve health for people with obesity and mobility issues. Studies have found that HIFT enhances body composition, heart health, and insulin management in overweight or obese adults. Early results also suggest that these exercise programs can boost physical abilities and mental well-being for people with disabilities. Although no specific studies have focused on adults with mobility-related disabilities, evidence from similar groups supports the potential benefits of HIFT. This trial will examine the effects of a 6-month functional fitness intervention for participants with obesity and limited mobility, aiming to manage weight and improve health conditions related to obesity in this group. ^{1 2 3 6 7}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults aged 18-64 with mobility-related disabilities who are overweight or obese (BMI of 24-45). Participants must not have previously joined a functional fitness program and need a doctor's approval to exercise. They should be able to make decisions for themselves.

Inclusion Criteria

My doctor agrees I can safely exercise.

Body mass index between 24-45

Never been a part of a functional fitness program before

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants undergo a High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT) intervention, consisting of 60-minute sessions, 3 days per week, for 6 months

24 weeks

72 sessions (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in weight, body composition, and metabolic syndrome components after the intervention

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Functional Fitness

Trial Overview The study tests if high-intensity functional training (HIFT) can help manage weight and improve health in adults with mobility disabilities. It involves exercising three times a week for six months, aiming to see changes in body composition and metabolic health.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: COBRE Single Group Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

All participants will complete the 6-mos functional fitness interventions

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Kansas

Lead Sponsor

Trials

157

Recruited

332,000+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12567876/

Feasibility and Preliminary Effects of Community-Based High ... Conclusions: A community-based HIFT program is feasible and may improve health outcomes in adults with MD and overweight/obesity. Keywords: high ...

2. nature.com nature.com/articles/s41366-025-01881-8

Association of obesity with musculoskeletal health and ... The data collected revealed a direct impact of obesity on musculoskeletal health, gait, and functional mobility, especially among women.

3. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1521690X13000171

Obesity, functional mobility and quality of life This paper will review and discuss functional mobility and its relationship to HRQoL for persons living with obesity.

4. bu.edu bu.edu/motordevlab/files/2012/08/2013_Obesity-functional-mobility-and-QoL.pdf

Obesity, functional mobility and quality of life Although weight loss is associated with improvements in functional mobility some patients will require interventions to reduce mobility disability in order to.

5. mdpi.com mdpi.com/2072-6643/16/10/1434

Effects of Functional Strength Training Combined with ... TG was found to be more effective than CG in enhancing body composition, physical fitness, and movement quality in obese adolescents.

6. bmcgeriatr.biomedcentral.com bmcgeriatr.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12877-021-02112-1

Poor health-related physical fitness performance increases ... This study employed large-sample national survey data to discuss the relationship between functional physical fitness and obesity risks in older ...

7. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7494524/

Weight management for adults with mobility related ... We will conduct a two-arm randomized trial in 128 overweight/obese adults with MRDs to compare weight loss (6 mos.) and maintenance (12 mos.) between ...