Nutritional and Metabolic Dynamics of Thru-Hiking: A Longitudinal Study on the Colorado Trail
- Conditions
- Thru-hiking
- Interventions
- Other: Thru-hiking
- Registration Number
- NCT06358274
- Lead Sponsor
- University of Minnesota
- Brief Summary
Thru-hiking the Colorado Trail presents distinct challenges owing to its diverse landscapes and high altitudes. The study aims to delve into the physiological and nutritional facets of extended wilderness trekking among thru-hikers. Activities encompass participant recruitment from the Colorado Trail Foundation community, baseline and post-trail assessments including blood lipid panel analysis and anthropometric measurements, data collection during the trail period involving recording daily mileage, exertion levels, and dietary intake, rigorous statistical analysis to explore correlations among various parameters, and adherence to ethical considerations including obtaining formal approval and ensuring informed consent procedures are followed to safeguard participants' rights and privacy. Through this endeavor, the study seeks to offer insights into the metabolic responses and cardiovascular implications associated with thru-hiking, shedding light on the interplay between diet, lifestyle factors, and metabolic health in challenging environments.
The specific aims include examining the metabolic responses and cardiovascular implications associated with thru-hiking, exploring correlations between dietary intake and blood lipid profiles, and elucidating the interplay between lifestyle factors and metabolic health in demanding environments. This study is not limited to program evaluation, quality assurance, or improvement activities within a specific department or setting but rather seeks to contribute to scientific knowledge and inform evidence-based recommendations for individuals engaging in thru-hiking or similar high-intensity activities.
- Detailed Description
Not available
Recruitment & Eligibility
- Status
- COMPLETED
- Sex
- All
- Target Recruitment
- 15
- Thru-Hikers on the Colorado Trail:
- Individuals planning to commence their thru-hiking journey on the Colorado Trail in early July.
Residence:
- Participants must reside in northern Colorado.
- Thru-Hiking History
- Participants must not have completed another thru-hike in the past 6 months.
- Informed Consent
- Individuals interested in participating in the study must provide informed consent.
- Individuals who have completed another thru-hike in the past 6 months
- children below the age of majority, pregnant women, fetuses, and neonates
- prisoners, adults lacking the capacity to consent or with fluctuating capacity, non-English speakers, and illiterate individuals
- employees or students of the researcher
- individuals from undervalued or disenfranchised social groups
- Active members of the military, including Department of Defense (DoD) personnel
- individuals in stressful situations, those disadvantaged in social goods and services and individuals with serious health conditions lacking standard treatments
- those with a fear of negative consequences for not participating and individuals facing circumstances increasing vulnerability to coercion or exploitation
Study & Design
- Study Type
- OBSERVATIONAL
- Study Design
- Not specified
- Arm && Interventions
Group Intervention Description thru-hiking on the Colorado Trail Thru-hiking Thru-hikers planning to embark on the Colorado Trail are recruited through the Colorado Trail Foundation community page and email newsletter, ensuring a sample population representative of those undertaking this challenging endeavor. Participants will be tracked over time to assess changes in their metabolic health and dietary habits.
- Primary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method blood lipid panel: triglycerides baseline and 2 days post-hike changes in triglycerides levels from baseline to within 2 days of completing the Colorado Trail.
blood lipid panel: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) baseline and 2 days post-hike changes in LDL levels from baseline to within 2 days of completing the Colorado Trail.
blood lipid panel: total cholesterol baseline and 2 days post-hike changes in total cholesterol levels from baseline to within 2 days of completing the Colorado Trail.
blood lipid panel: high-density lipoprotein (HDL) baseline and 2 days post-hike changes in HDL levels from baseline to within 2 days of completing the Colorado Trail.
- Secondary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method
Trial Locations
- Locations (1)
University of Minnesota
🇺🇸Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States