Purpose

The goal of the Molecular Transducers of Physical Activity Consortium (MoTrPAC) is to assess molecular changes that occur in response to physical activity (PA). To achieve this aim, a mechanistic randomized controlled trial (RCT) is conducted, in which adult study participants are randomized to endurance exercise (EE) training, resistance exercise (RE) training, or no exercise Control for a period of approximately 12 weeks. The overarching hypothesis is that there are discoverable molecular transducers that communicate and coordinate the effects of exercise on cells, tissues, and organs, which may initiate processes ultimately leading to the health benefits of exercise. Because this is a mechanistic trial, the main goal is not a health-related outcome. Rather, the goal is to generate a map of the molecular responses to exercise that will be used by the Consortium and by the scientific community at large to generate hypotheses for future investigations of the health benefits of PA.

Category

IRB Number
20190077HU
NCT Number
NCT03960827
Open to Enrollment
Yes
Sponsor
University of Florida -



Study Contact

Sandra Idar
(210) 450-0568
idars@uthscsa.edu

Blake Rasmussen
(210) 567-0000
rasmussenb@uthscsa.edu

Principal Investigator
Blake Rasmussen

Tiffany Cortes
(210) 450-8998
cortest@uthscsa.edu

Sandra Idar
(210) 450-0568
idars@uthscsa.edu

Blake Rasmussen
(210) 567-0000
rasmussenb@uthscsa.edu



Eligibility

Eligible Ages
Over 18 Years
Eligible Genders
All
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
Yes

Inclusion Criteria

    Exclusion Criteria


      Study Design

      Phase
      N/A
      Study Type
      Interventional
      Allocation
      Randomized
      Intervention Model
      Parallel Assignment
      Intervention Model Description
      The randomized trial is conducted in accordance with an intent-to-treat (ITT) design.
      Primary Purpose
      Other
      Masking
      None (Open Label)
      Condition
    1. Physical Activity
    2. Arm Groups

      ArmDescriptionIntervention
      Active Comparator

      Sedentary EE

      Participants randomized to ET first engage in a single acute exercise test of Endurance Exerciser (on a cycle ergometer) consistent with their random assignment.
    3. Other: Endurance Training

      Participants randomized to ET engage in four center-based ET sessions each week for 12 weeks; each session lasting roughly 1-hour with a 40-45 minute stimulus phase and the remaining time being used to warm up and cool down. Each week, two of the sessions occur on a cycle ergometer and two involve treadmill exercise (4 total sessions per week). During all sessions, the participant's heart rate is monitored to ensure they maintain exercise intensity at 70% of heart rate reserve (± 5%). Periodically during training sessions perceptual data from participants are recorded, which is used to track the subjective experience of participants and in interpreting adherence data.

    4. No Intervention

      Highly Active EE

      A comparison group of highly active EE participants are recruited and engage only in the initial round of acute exercise testing. Highly Active Endurance Exerciser (HAEE) participants are tested on a cycle ergometer.
      No Intervention

      Sedentary control

      The control group does not engage in any acute exercise testing protocol.
      Active Comparator

      Sedentary RE

      Participants randomized to RT first engage in a single acute exercise test of Resistance Exerciser, consistent with their random assignment.
    5. Other: Restistance Training

      Participants randomized to RT engage in four center-based RT sessions each week for 12 weeks; each session lasting roughly 1-hour with a 40-45 minute stimulus phase and the remaining time being used to warm up and cool down. The prescription is a 2-day split, meaning approximately half of the major muscle groups are exercised each session and each muscle group is exercised twice per week. Two sessions per week include seven exercises that focus on the hips/thighs, back and biceps, and the other two sessions per week include seven exercises that focus on the chest, shoulders, triceps, calves and abdominal muscles. The first set per muscle group is a warm-up performed at 50-70% of prescribed loads that are based on 10-repetition maximum (RM). Three sets per exercise are then performed at 10RM intensity. Load increases when a participant is able to perform 12 repetitions for 2 of 3 sets of an exercise. During all sessions, heart rate is monitored and perceived exertion is recorded.

    6. No Intervention

      Highly Active RE

      A comparison group of highly active RE participants are recruited and engage only in the initial round of acute exercise testing. Highly Active Resistance Exerciser (HARE) participants are tested via a bout of resistance exercise.