Yoga vs Running for Metabolic Health

(TrainMeUpMN Trial)

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Minnesota

Disqualifiers: Diabetes, Hypertension, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 9

64 Participants Needed

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 trial coordinators or your doctor.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Running Program, Yoga Program for metabolic health?

Research suggests that yoga can help improve certain aspects of metabolic health, such as reducing waist circumference and improving risk profiles in adults with type 2 diabetes, which is related to metabolic syndrome. However, more high-quality studies are needed to confirm these benefits specifically for metabolic syndrome. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is yoga generally safe for humans?

Research shows that yoga is generally safe, with no significant difference in serious or nonserious adverse events compared to usual care or exercise. However, there may be more minor adverse events compared to psychological or educational interventions. ^{1 2 4 6 7}

How does the Yoga Program differ from other treatments for metabolic health?

The Yoga Program is unique because it incorporates a holistic approach that includes physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation, which can improve metabolic health by reducing stress and enhancing overall well-being. Unlike traditional exercise programs, yoga also focuses on mental relaxation and flexibility, offering a comprehensive lifestyle change rather than just a physical workout. ^{2 8 9 10 11}

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial will study how different types of exercise affect the body's ability to handle sugar in people with different body types.

Research Team

Lisa Chow, MD

Principal Investigator

University of Minnesota

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for people aged 18-40, with a BMI of 25 to 40 kg/m2. It's open to those who are overweight or obese and insulin resistant but generally healthy. Participants should be sedentary (exercising less than 30 minutes per week) or lean and physically active (3-5 aerobic sessions per week), with stable weight for the past three months.

Inclusion Criteria

I am overweight or obese, have insulin resistance, a stable weight, and exercise less than 30 minutes a week.

I exercise 3-5 times a week and have normal blood sugar levels.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

Pre-training

Participants undergo pre-training assessments including screening and metabolic evaluations

4 weeks

4 visits (in-person)

Training

Participants engage in a supervised aerobic or yoga training program

16 weeks

1 visit (in-person) during training

Post-training

Participants undergo post-training assessments to evaluate changes in metabolism and insulin resistance

4 weeks

3 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after training

4 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Running Program
• Yoga Program

Trial Overview The study compares fat and sugar metabolism in individuals before and after they complete either a supervised treadmill running program or a yoga training program. The goal is to understand how these activities affect insulin resistance, which can lead to type 2 diabetes.

Participant Groups

Group I: Obese or Overweight Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Running Program Yoga Program

Group II: Lean Trained Active Control 1 Intervention

Metabolic control

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Minnesota

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,459

Recruited

1,623,000+

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)

Collaborator

Trials

2,513

Recruited

4,366,000+

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Collaborator

Trials

2,896

Recruited

8,053,000+

Findings from Research

A systematic review of 94 randomized controlled trials involving 8,430 participants found that yoga is as safe as usual care and exercise, with no significant differences in serious adverse events or dropouts due to adverse events.

While yoga had a higher occurrence of nonserious adverse events compared to psychological or educational interventions, the overall safety profile suggests that it is a viable therapeutic option, highlighting the need for better reporting of safety data in future studies.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Safety of Yoga: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Cramer, H., Ward, L., Saper, R., et al.[2018]

References

1. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Yoga for metabolic syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis. [2022]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Restorative yoga in adults with metabolic syndrome: a randomized, controlled pilot trial. [2022]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Effects of a Single Bout of High- or Moderate-Intensity Yoga Exercise on Circulating Inflammatory Mediators: A Pilot Feasibility Study. [2023]

4. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of 1-year yoga on cardiovascular risk factors in middle-aged and older adults with metabolic syndrome: a randomized trial. [2022]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The influence of yoga-based programs on risk profiles in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review. [2022]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Safety of Yoga: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. [2018]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Determining the Completeness of Registration and Reporting in Systematic Reviews of Yoga for Health. [2023]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Randomized Controlled Trial of A 12-Week Yoga-Based (Including Diet) Lifestyle vs. Dietary Intervention on Cardio-Metabolic Risk Factors and Continuous Risk Score in Indian Adults with Metabolic Syndrome. [2020]

9. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Applied high-intensity interval cardio yoga improves cardiometabolic fitness, energetic contributions, and metabolic flexibility in healthy adults. [2023]

10. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Integrated Yoga and Naturopathy module in management of Metabolic Syndrome: A case report. [2022]

11. Germany pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Cardiorespiratory and metabolic changes during yoga sessions: the effects of respiratory exercises and meditation practices. [2013]