Actively Recruiting
VR Stimulation of Exercise Response in Sedentary Humans
Led by Wayne State University · Updated on 2025-12-23
48
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
148 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
W
Wayne State University
Lead Sponsor
N
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Prolonged sedentary conditions contribute to declining health across human populations and cause significant secondary health consequences for many patients whose illnesses or injuries prevent them from exercising. The investigators have demonstrated that in a small animal fruit fly model, genetic stimulation of neurons that promote adrenergic signaling is sufficient to mimic the benefits of exercise training even in sedentary animals. The investigator's pilot work in humans has confirmed that humans respond to Virtual Reality (VR) stimuli that mimic exercise by increasing heart rate and altering heart rate variability in a way consistent with increased adrenergic activity. In this study, the investigators will directly test for the first time whether repeated, controlled exposure to VR stimuli that induce adrenergic activity in sedentary humans can produce adaptive changes to protein expression and endurance performance like those produced by actual exercise in pre-diabetic participants with/without hypertension.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
VR Stimulation of Exercise Response in Sedentary Humans
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Equal numbers of male and female participants (32 each)
- Blood glucose HbA1C between 5.7% and 6.4% or 100-125 mg/dL
- Blood pressure systolic less than 120 and diastolic less than 80 mmHg, or systolic 120-129 mmHg and diastolic less than 80 mmHg, or systolic greater than 130 mmHg and diastolic greater than 80 mmHg
You will not qualify if you...
- Body mass index greater than 35 kg/m2
- Currently participating in an exercise program or similar activity
- Taking medications that could affect results, including beta-blockers or SSRIs
- Experiencing anxiety or nausea with virtual reality use
- Alcohol consumption above 2 ounces per night
- Blood pressure systolic greater than 160 mmHg and diastolic greater than 110 mmHg
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Wayne State University
Detroit, Michigan, United States, 48201
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
A
Alyson Sujkowski, PhD
CONTACT
R
Robert J Wessells, PhD
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
3
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