Actively Recruiting
Reducing Blood Pressure in Mid-life Adult Binge Drinkers: the Role of Microvascular Function and Sympathetic Activity
Led by The University of Texas at Arlington · Updated on 2026-06-01
55
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
17 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
T
The University of Texas at Arlington
Lead Sponsor
N
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are investigating blood pressure, microvascular function, and sympathetic nerve activity in mid-life adults who binge drink compared to those who abstain from alcohol or drink moderately. The study aims to better understand these factors in adults aged 50 to 64 years, including the role of aerobic exercise on these health measures. This research is led by The University of Texas at Arlington and focuses on behavioral changes related to alcohol use and exercise. The study has two phases. In Phase 1, participants' blood pressure, microvascular function, and nerve activity are measured at baseline. In Phase 2, only binge drinkers are randomized into two groups: one group undergoes an 8-week supervised high-intensity interval training program three times per week while abstaining from alcohol, and the other group abstains from alcohol without exercise. After the intervention, these health measures are reassessed to evaluate changes. Participants attend assessments at the beginning and end of the study, with exercise sessions lasting 40 minutes each during the 8-week intervention. Researchers will monitor changes in blood pressure, microvascular function, sympathetic activity, urine catecholamine levels, and alcohol intake. The study also evaluates the feasibility of the exercise program over approximately three months. Safety and adherence are tracked through consultations and education during abstinence periods.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Reducing Blood Pressure in Mid-life Adult Binge Drinkers
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Men and women aged 50 to 64 years who do not drink alcohol, drink moderately, or binge drink
- Female participants must be postmenopausal (no menses for at least 1 year)
- Ability to speak and understand English
You will not qualify if you...
- History of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, liver disease, or kidney disease
- Current or past smoking and illicit drug use
- Blood pressure equal to or higher than 160/100 mm Hg
- Obesity (BMI of 35 kg/m2 or higher) or high cholesterol levels (total cholesterol over 230 mg/dl or LDL cholesterol over 160 mg/dl)
- Active infection within the past 2 months
- History of seizures, cancer, or inflammatory diseases such as gout or rheumatoid arthritis
- Unstable body weight with more than 5% change in the past 6 months
- Regular aerobic exercise of at least 30 minutes, 3 times per week
- Current use of hormone replacement therapy including estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone
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)
Duration - 1 week
Participants undergo measurements of blood pressure, microvascular function, and sympathetic nerve activity before any intervention.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 8 weeks
Mid-life adult binge drinkers are randomized to either supervised high-intensity interval exercise training combined with alcohol abstinence intervention or alcohol abstinence intervention alone for 8 weeks.
Exercise Group: 3 supervised exercise sessions per week plus bi-weekly consultations; Non-exercise Group: bi-weekly consultations
Duration - 1 week
Participants have blood pressure, microvascular function, and sympathetic nerve activity re-measured after the intervention period.
1 visit (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of Texas at Arlington
Arlington, Texas, United States, 76010
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
C
Chueh-Lung Hwang, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
PREVENTION
Number of Arms
3
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