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

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial examines how different types of exercise, such as running and yoga, affect the body's ability to process fat and sugar, which can influence insulin resistance. Since insulin resistance can lead to type 2 diabetes, understanding these effects is crucial. Participants will be divided into two groups: those who are overweight or obese will engage in either a running or yoga program, while lean and active individuals will serve as a comparison group. This trial suits individuals who are overweight or obese, insulin resistant, and currently do not exercise regularly, as well as lean individuals who exercise frequently. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to significant research on exercise and metabolic health.

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.

Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?

Research shows that running and yoga are generally safe activities for improving health. Studies indicate that regular running can enhance body shape and metabolism, particularly for those who are overweight. Running is usually well-tolerated, with few reports of serious side effects.

Early findings suggest yoga is also safe and effective for weight loss and metabolism improvement. A review of yoga in managing obesity found it can lower heart disease risk and enhance body shape. Participants in yoga programs report few negative experiences, making it a safe option for many.

Both activities are non-invasive and have a long history of safe use in fitness and wellness routines. In this trial, both running and yoga are expected to be low-risk options for participants. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Yoga and Running programs because they offer lifestyle-based approaches to improving metabolic health, which can be more sustainable and have fewer side effects than medication. Unlike traditional treatments for metabolic issues, such as medication or dietary supplements, these programs use physical activity to enhance the body's natural ability to manage weight and metabolic function. Yoga offers a holistic approach, incorporating elements of mindfulness and stress reduction, which can have additional benefits for overall health. Running, on the other hand, is a high-intensity exercise that may quickly improve cardiovascular health and metabolism. By comparing these two distinct approaches, researchers hope to identify more effective, accessible strategies for improving metabolic health in different populations.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for metabolic health?

This trial will compare the effects of a Running Program with a Yoga Program on metabolic health. Studies have shown that regular running can greatly improve body shape and reduce body fat in people with obesity. Running helps lower belly fat, which is important for better heart health and managing insulin resistance. Research indicates that running programs lead to significant health benefits, including weight loss and improved fat processing.

Meanwhile, yoga has also shown promise in managing obesity and improving metabolic health. Some studies suggest that yoga helps reduce belly fat and can enhance quality of life. Yoga is seen as a holistic approach that positively affects both physical and mental health, which might help manage insulin resistance. Participants in this trial will be assigned to either the Running Program or the Yoga Program to evaluate these effects. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Lisa Chow, MD

Principal Investigator

University of Minnesota

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

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 for a Trial Participant

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

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

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.

How Is the Trial Designed?

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+

Published Research Related to This Trial

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]

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Yoga vs Running for Metabolic Health (TrainMeUpMN Trial)

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.

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