An interventional study of Circuit Training exercise & Modified Mediterranean diet in Cardiovascular Risk Factor, Blood Pressure and Exercise, sponsored by University of New Hampshire. Completed at 1 site in United States. Open to participants aged 18 Years to 70 Years, including healthy volunteers. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2023-08-07.
Sponsored by University of New Hampshire · Not applicable, Interventional, and Prevention
The study will explore the capacity for a lifestyle modification in firefighters to improve blood pressure, blood vessel stiffness, inflammation, and reduce oxidative stress. The study will be a pre- post-testing controlled trial with three groups. The intervention will be a weekly circuit workout program and a Mediterranean (high fruit/vegetable) diet. The groups will be firefighters with >10yrs experience, firefighters with \<10yrs experience, and control Non-firefighters.
Recent statistics from the American Heart Association (AHA) have reported that >92% of adults in the U.S. meet at least 1 metric for cardiovascular disease risk factors. In firefighters, this increased risk is especially concerning. The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) estimates there are around 1.3 million firefighters in the United States, 70% of which are volunteer. The prevalence of impaired cardiovascular health is higher in firefighters than in the general population and the leading line-of-duty death (LODD) cause is cardiac related. It is known that exercise and diet mitigate cardiovascular disease risk. Meeting the physical activity guidelines remains a target of ideal cardiovascular health and a major public health concern. However, the NFPA does not require volunteer fire companies to have a fitness program for their crew, and sadly less than a third of the stations actually do. And importantly, cardiovascular-related LODD remains a major issue in the firefighter population. The results could guide clinical treatment for firefighters and may therefore reduce cardiac-related LODD.
Exclusion Criteria:
Firefighters with \>10yrs experience. Circuit Training exercise \& Modified Mediterranean diet
Behavioral: Circuit Training exercise & Modified Mediterranean diet
Firefighters with \<10yrs experience. Circuit Training exercise \& Modified Mediterranean diet
Behavioral: Circuit Training exercise & Modified Mediterranean diet
Non-Firefighter adults. Circuit Training exercise \& Modified Mediterranean diet
Behavioral: Circuit Training exercise & Modified Mediterranean diet
Participants will receive circuit training program and a modified Mediterranean diet program. Educational sessions, serving size training, and portion containers will be provided. Participants will also receive individualized support throughout the 6 week intervention.
Change in blood pressure
Blood pressure surge response to alarm will be measured by ambulatory blood pressure monitor
Time frame: Pre-Intervention (Week 0), Post-Intervention (Week 6)
Change in vascular stiffness
Stiffness will be measured by pulse wave velocity
Time frame: Pre-Intervention (Week 0), Post-Intervention (Week 6)
Change in cardiopulmonary fitness
Fitness will be measured by treadmill test
Time frame: Pre-Intervention (Week 0), Post-Intervention (Week 6)
Change in body composition
Body composition will be measured by bioelectrical impedance
Time frame: Pre-Intervention (Week 0), Post-Intervention (Week 6)
Change in inflammation
Inflammation will be measured by assay of circulating bio-markers through blood draw.
Time frame: Pre-Intervention (Week 0), Post-Intervention (Week 6)
Change in oxidative stress
Oxidative stress will be measured by assay of circulating antioxidant bio-markers through blood draw.
Time frame: Pre-Intervention (Week 0), Post-Intervention (Week 6)
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Plan to share: Yes — data will be entered
Supporting information: Analytic code
This study is completed, as verified in Aug 2023. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.
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University of New Hampshire