Actively Recruiting
Timing Intervention of Morning Versus Evening Exercise
Led by University of Colorado, Denver · Updated on 2026-01-12
128
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
277 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of Colorado, Denver
Lead Sponsor
N
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
The investigators are doing this study to learn more about how exercising at different times of the day (morning versus evening) affects body weight, sleep, eating patterns, and other factors.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Timing Intervention of Morning Versus Evening Exercise
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Female or Male
- Age 18-55 years
- Body Mass Index 25-40 kg/m2
- Physically inactive: self-reporting less than 150 minutes per week of moderate or greater intensity physical activity regularly for the past 3 months
- No self-reported acute or chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, or orthopedic problems
- No plans to relocate within the next 15 months
- No plans for extended travel (more than 2 weeks) within the next 13 months
- Live or work within 30 minutes of the Anschutz Health & Wellness Center (exceptions may be made for highly motivated subjects)
- Capable and willing to give informed consent, understand exclusion criteria, accept randomized group assignment, and complete outcome measures
- No contraindications to exercise or limitations on physical activity
- Willing to be randomized to morning or evening exercise and complete 4 exercise sessions per week
- Own a smart phone and willing to use text messaging for meal intake and related assessments
- Willing and able to wear an activity and sleep monitor for 7-14 consecutive days
- Willing not to enroll in other formal weight loss or physical activity programs for 13 months
- Fully vaccinated or willing to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to enrollment
- Have or willing to establish care with a primary care physician to address any medical issues during the study
- For females: not currently pregnant or lactating, not pregnant within past 6 months, not planning pregnancy in next 15 months, or use reliable contraception or have had tubal ligation
You will not qualify if you...
- Diastolic blood pressure over 100 mm Hg or systolic blood pressure over 160 mm Hg
- Resting heart rate over 100 beats per minute
- Diabetes diagnosed by fasting glucose 126 mg/dL or higher or Hemoglobin A1C 6.5% or higher
- Undiagnosed or uncontrolled thyroid disorders
- Significant abnormalities in blood counts
- Triglycerides over 400 mg/dL
- LDL cholesterol over 200 mg/dL
- Abnormal resting ECG with serious arrhythmias or conduction defects
- Presence or history of metabolic or chronic health problems affecting appetite, metabolism, or exercise ability including cardiovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, significant cardiac arrhythmias or valve disease, diabetes, uncontrolled thyroid disorder, uncontrolled hypertension, recent cancer, HIV infection, significant gastrointestinal, pulmonary, renal, musculoskeletal, neurologic, hematologic, or psychiatric diseases
- Significant gastrointestinal disorders such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, chronic diarrhea, or active gallbladder disease
- Significant pulmonary disorders such as COPD, interstitial lung disease, cystic fibrosis, or uncontrolled asthma
- Symptoms suggestive of cardiovascular disease such as chest pain, shortness of breath at rest or mild exertion, or syncope
- Regular use of medications significantly impacting appetite, weight, sleep, or metabolism
- Use of medications affecting maximum heart rate like beta blockers or calcium channel blockers
- Regular use of systemic steroids except oral contraceptive pills
- Use of obesity pharmacotherapy in the last 6 months
- Previous obesity surgery or weight loss devices within the past year except specified exceptions
- Current alcohol or substance abuse
- Nicotine use in the past 6 months
- History or signs of eating disorders or high scores on eating disorder questionnaires requiring further assessment
- Current severe depression or recent history of severe depression requiring further assessment
- History of significant psychiatric illness interfering with study adherence
- Night-time shift work, rotating schedules, or irregular sleep patterns hindering consistent exercise timing
- Urinary incontinence or retention affecting study measures
- Recent significant weight changes requiring assessment
- Current participation or plans to participate in other weight loss, dietary, or exercise programs or clinical trials
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Aurora, Colorado, United States, 80045
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
L
Liza Wayland
CONTACT
K
Kristen Bing
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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