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Examining the Impact of Exercise Training on Vascular Dysfunction in Individuals With Mental Health Disorders - Study 3

Not Applicable
Recruiting
Conditions
Peripheral Vascular Diseases
Interventions
Behavioral: Muscular Strength Training Group
Behavioral: Muscular Fitness Training Group
Registration Number
NCT04916340
Lead Sponsor
Virginia Commonwealth University
Brief Summary

The purpose of this research study is to examine the effect of various forms of exercise training on blood vessel function in healthy individuals as well as individuals with mental health disorders (posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and/or generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)).

Detailed Description

Study #3 is made up of five sessions done on five separate days and the entire study can be completed in as little as 14 weeks. All testing sessions will take place at the Exercise Physiology Research Laboratory. Volunteers will be asked to participate in one initial testing session (Visit 1) lasting \< 1 hour that will help make them more familiar with the study equipment and procedures, determine body measures (height, weight, body fat), determine the maximum strength of their forearm and calf, and require one blood draw. The following two testing sessions (Visits 2 and 3) with each session lasting between 2-3 hours that will involve multiple tests designed to determine the health of their blood vessels. For Visit #2 they will be randomly given either antioxidant pills or placebo pills to determine the effect of oxidants on blood vessel health. For Visit #3, they will be given whatever set of pills (antioxidant or placebo) that they did not receive during Visit #2. also include two additional testing days (Visits 5 and 6) that are identical to Visits #2 and #3, two visits to test endurance or strength prior to and after the exercise training (Visit 4 and 7), and ten weeks of exercise training (done 3-5 days per week). The exercise training will include one of two weight lifting programs that differ based on the amount of weight lifted (heavy vs moderate weight).

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
RECRUITING
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
240
Inclusion Criteria
  • apparently healthy and free of overt cardiovascular, pulmonary, or metabolic disease
  • for PTSD group, a score of ≥ 33 on PCL-5 checklist
  • for GAD group, a score of ≥ 10 on the GAD-7 self-report scale and < 33 on the PCL-5 checklist
  • for Healthy Control group, a score of ≤ 10 on the GAD-7 self-report scale and < 33 on the PCL-5 checklist
Exclusion Criteria
  • taking medications that could influence cardiovascular function
  • current smokers who have recently quit smoking
  • illicit drug use or excessive alcohol consumption
  • pregnant women
  • significant calorie restriction or vitamin/mineral deficiencies
  • limited English proficiency

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Muscular StrengthMuscular Strength Training GroupParticipants will complete study 1 (HM20020955-1) and then 10 weeks of resistance training for muscular strength
Muscular fitnessMuscular Fitness Training GroupParticipants will complete study 1 (HM20020955-1) and then 10 weeks of resistance training for muscular fitness
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Arm Vascular Function in Response to Exercise (Handgrip Exercise Test)Baseline to the end of the final visit, about 14 weeks

Change in Brachial Artery Dilation from Baseline Values

Arm Vascular Function at Rest (Flow Mediated Dilation Test)Baseline to the end of the final visit, about 14 weeks

Change in Brachial Artery Dilation from Baseline Values

Leg Vascular Function (Passive Leg Movement Test)Baseline to the end of the final visit, about 14 weeks

Change in Leg Blood Flow Values from Baseline

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Virginia Commonwealth University

🇺🇸

Richmond, Virginia, United States

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