Exercise for Preterm Birth
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 Exercise, Physical Activity, Workout, Fitness Training for Preterm Birth?
Research shows that exercise can be beneficial in various medical settings, such as helping arthritis patients improve after hospital discharge and supporting recovery in critically ill patients. This suggests that exercise might also help improve outcomes for preterm birth, although direct evidence is not provided.12345
Is exercise generally safe for humans?
How does exercise as a treatment for preterm birth differ from other treatments?
Exercise for preterm birth is unique because it focuses on physical activity to potentially improve outcomes, unlike other treatments that might involve medication or medical procedures. This approach is non-invasive and leverages the body's natural ability to adapt and strengthen through regular movement.1112131415
What is the purpose of this trial?
Young adults born very preterm (32 weeks gestation or earlier) do not respond well to aerobic exercise training, meeting the recommendations set by the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, where they do not increase their fitness level (or cardiorespiratory fitness). Thus, they do not receive the health benefits of exercise. Achieving physical fitness through aerobic exercise training is the most cost-effective method for preventing and treating many diseases. Young adults born very preterm also have a higher risk of these conditions. Thus, their inability to respond to increase their fitness is a major problem.One likely explanation for poor exercise trainability and increased heart disease risk in young adults born very preterm is the effect of the early birth on the major energy producers in all our cells: Mitochondria. During late-stage gestation, mitochondria change from relying on sugar as a major fuel source to fat. Unfortunately, individuals born very preterm miss this transition in fuel source reliance, which causes significant stress and damage to mitochondria. Mitochondria are critical for post-natal organ development; thus, it is thought that preterm birth-induced mitochondrial dysfunction is the underlying cause of poor trainability and high disease risk in young adults born very preterm. Indeed, mitochondrial dysfunction is evident in these individuals.To date, there is not a way to help young adults born preterm improve their fitness level. One likely target is in the mitochondria: it's DNA. Mitochondrial DNA helps determine how mitochondria function and can be damaged under stress. Our goal in this proposed work is to determine the role of mitochondrial DNA in mitochondrial dysfunction and its link to their poor trainability.Questions:1. Are there mitochondrial DNA markers linked to mitochondrial dysfunction and poor exercise trainability in young adults very born preterm?2. Do mitochondrial DNA in young adults born very preterm respond differently to aerobic exercise training than those born at term?The investigators expect this work will show mitochondrial DNA changes linked to mitochondrial dysfunction and poor trainability, which can be used for future targets to improve health. This work supports AHA mission by helping to identify a marker in individuals born very preterm linked to their higher heart disease risk and death early in life.
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for inactive young adults aged 18-35 who were born preterm (before 37 weeks) and their biological mothers, as well as age- and sex-matched controls born at term. Participants must exercise less than 150 minutes per week and pass a health readiness assessment to start moderate-intensity exercise.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Mitochondrial DNA Sequencing
Participants provide a blood or saliva sample for mitochondrial DNA sequencing analysis to assess for variants unique to individuals born prematurely
Aerobic Exercise Training
Participants complete a 16-week aerobic exercise training program
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in mitochondrial oxidative capacity and maximal aerobic capacity after the training program
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Exercise
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Texas Tech University
Lead Sponsor