Actively Recruiting
Examining the Circadian Timing Effects of the Hypotensive Response to Exercise in Adults with Elevated Blood Pressure
Led by Freda Patterson · Updated on 2025-08-17
30
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are investigating how the timing of exercise affects blood pressure in adults aged 18 to 39 years with elevated blood pressure or stage 1 hypertension. The study focuses on how exercising at different times of day influences blood pressure patterns over the following 24 hours, considering the body's natural circadian rhythms. This trial aims to better understand the time-of-day effects on the blood pressure-lowering response to exercise. Participants will complete three supervised, 30-minute treadmill exercise sessions scheduled according to their individual biological clock, measured by dim-light melatonin onset (DLMO). Exercise sessions will occur in the biological morning (10 hours after DLMO), afternoon (15 hours after DLMO), and evening (20 hours after DLMO) in a randomized order. Before and after each session, a 24-hour blood pressure assessment will be conducted to evaluate changes. During the study, participants undergo an in-lab biological rhythm assessment to determine their circadian phase. Blood pressure is monitored over 24 hours before and after each exercise session to measure the average daytime systolic blood pressure. The trial involves randomized crossover participation with no masking, and participants' blood pressure responses at different exercise times will be compared. This study is expected to last until September 2026.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Examining the Circadian Timing Effects of the Hypotensive Response to Exercise
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age between 18 and 39 years
- Resting blood pressure greater than or equal to 120/80 mmHg and less than 140/90 mmHg
You will not qualify if you...
- Diagnosis or history of chronic or autoimmune diseases including cardiovascular, metabolic, renal, endocrine conditions, or cancer
- Diagnosis or history of sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia, or restless leg syndrome
- Alcohol or drug dependence
- Elevated risk for sleep disorders
- Elevated risk for clinical depression
- Normotensive (blood pressure less than 120/80 mmHg) or stage 2 or higher hypertension (blood pressure greater than or equal to 140/90 mmHg)
- Body mass index less than 18.5 or greater than 35 kg/m2
- Use of sleep medications or supplements such as melatonin
- Use of medications affecting vascular physiology, including antihypertensive or weight loss drugs
- Highly physically active with 300 or more minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per week
- Currently pregnant or breastfeeding
- Tobacco use of one or more cigarettes in the past month
- Nighttime or rotating shift work within the last 3 months
- Contraindications to aerobic exercise
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person) for eligibility assessment
Duration - 1 week
Participants complete an assessment of dim-light melatonin onset (DLMO) to determine individual circadian phase for exercise timing.
1 in-person assessment visit
Duration - Approximately 3 weeks
Participants complete three separate 30-minute monitored treadmill exercise sessions prescribed according to their circadian phase: morning, afternoon, and evening. Blood pressure is assessed for 24 hours before and after each exercise session.
3 exercise sessions with 24-hour blood pressure monitoring before and after each session
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of Delaware
Newark, Delaware, United States, 19713
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
F
Freda Patterson, PhD
T
Thomas Keiser
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
CROSSOVER
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
3
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