Clinical Research Directory

Molecular Indicators of Systematic Fitness

The goal of this study is to characterize associations between cardiorespiratory fitness, as measured by VO₂max/VO₂peak, and blood-based molecular measurements in adults. This is an observational study where research staff measures VO₂max/VO₂peak and collects fasted, resting blood samples on the same day. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Can a multi-analyte blood panel accurately predict directly measured VO₂max/VO₂peak? 2. How do these blood-based features vary across age, sex, and self-reported or documented physical activity profiles? 3. Are the predictor analytes able to capture changes in VO₂max/VO₂peak caused by a self-directed intervention (e.g., training for a marathon)? 4. What is the analytic reliability of the predictor biomarkers?

Exercise Effects in Native American Adolscents

This longitudinal study will investigate effects of exercise participation in Southwest Native American adolescents, ages 11-17, from the Gila River Indian Community. Vital signs, physical activity participation adherence, physical performance measures, and psychological/social measures will be assessed. Participants will attend one educational presentation for the initial session, explaining the benefits of physical exercise and expectations throughout the program. Baseline measurements for strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness will be taken as well as height, weight and blood pressure. Based on individual performance measures, each participant will be provided a personalized exercise program to complete 3-4 times/week for the duration for the duration of the study. Participants will also be provided an exercise journal to track their adherence to their exercise program each week. At the end of the session parents and adolescents separately will be asked to complete a written survey assessing physical, emotional, social, and school function. Physical performance measures will be taken every other week from the initial education and data collection session through 6 weeks.

Health-related Physical Fitness and Executive Function in Older Adults: A Prospective Study

This study aims to explore the relationship between health-related physical fitness and behavioural and electrophysiological aspects of cool and hot executive function in older adults through a year prospective study design. The main questions it aims to answer whether changes in health-related physical fitness will positively predict changes in behavioural and electrophysiological aspects of cool and hot executive functions in older adults. The participants will be asked to complete pre-test, a one-year observation period, and post-test. Both pre- and post-tests will measure health-related physical fitness, executive function, and various demographic variables and covariates. Health-related physical fitness assessments include cardiorespiratory endurance (YMCA submaximal cycle test), muscular strength (grip strength, chest press, and leg press), muscular endurance (30-second chair stand, 30-second bicep curl), flexibility (range of motion), and balance (Balance Error Scoring System). Executive function will be measured using the Stroop test and emotional Stroop test, with concurrent EEG recording of brain activity. Demographic variables and covariates include sex, age, years of education, annual income, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) Taiwan short form, World Health Organisation Quality of Life Brief Assessment (WHOQOL-BREF) Taiwan version, Geriatric Depression Scale, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), digit span tests, and step count recorded by mobile phones or watches over the previous month, resting heart rate, and resting blood pressure. No interventions will be conducted during the one-year observation period, maintaining participants' normal daily living conditions.

Anti-hypertensive Therapy and Exercise Treatment to Improve Vascular Health in Patients With Hypertension.

This is a prospective, monocentric, randomized controlled trial to investigate the effect of anti-hypertensive treatment and/or individualized exercise training intervention on blood pressure and vascular health. Furthermore the investigators want to decipher mechanisms, which contribute to vascular health by analyzing changes in metabolism and cell function in relation to vascular reaction.