Clinical Research Directory

Remotely Delivered Resistance Training for Cardiometabolic Health Among Black Women

The purpose of this study is to collect preliminary data on the feasibility, acceptability, and potential effects of a novel, remotely delivered resistance training program.

Effects of Weekly Set Volume on Muscle Adaptation

The progressive loss of strength and muscle mass is a natural aging process, with direct implications for functional capacity. Resistance training (RT) is considered the main intervention to counteract this decline. Although the RT guidelines are well established, the ideal weekly set volume to maximize strength and hypertrophy gains in older adults remains unknown. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of different volumes of weekly sets of RT on muscle strength and hypertrophy in older adults

Group-based Resistance Training for Adults With Down Syndrome

The investigators are interested in Resistance Training as a physical exercise intervention for adults with Down syndrome. Resistance Training (or RT for short) is a popular form of physical exercise, which focuses on improving muscle strength and endurance using weighted or resistance-based exercises. RT can involve 'lifting weights', doing resistance band movements or performing bodyweight exercises. Researchers have developed a tailored programme of RT exercises (called RESID), which are suitable and safe to implement for individuals with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities. RT has been shown to help people improve thinking skills and overall quality of life. RT has been associated with better brain health in older adults with memory problems. The investigators want to run the RESID exercise programme with adults with Down syndrome who do not have memory problems but who the investigators know are at much greater risk of developing memory problems as they get older. The investigators are hoping this programme will support brain health and healthy ageing in adults with Down syndrome. The investigators want to see this programme can be successfully run with people with intellectual disabilities. The investigators want to see if participants enjoy this programme and engage well with it. The investigators want to see if there are any barriers to participating in this programme. The investigators also want to see how much it will cost to run this programme again in the future. The investigators also want to see if this programme helps these adults to feel better about themselves, to have better memory skills, to have better day-to-day skills, and to have better strength and mobility. The investigators will measure study outcomes using self-report scales, a memory assessment, strength test, mobility tests, blood pressure/heart rate test and by getting information from caregivers. The investigators will use the same measures with a similar group of adults who initially do not take part in this programme. They will be called our services as usual control group. During the first group, these adults will attend usual weekly services. However, they will be offered a place on a RT programme after the first experimental group have finished. The investigators will decide the order of who takes part in which initial group (Experimental or Control) by drawing names out of a hat so that it will be as fair as possible. However, all participants in this study will eventually take part in the RT programme. The investigators hope this study will tell us a lot about running a RT programme for people with intellectual disabilities. The investigators hope the results of this research study will show that adults with Down syndrome enjoy and engage well with this programme and that RT has benefits for adults with Down syndrome who do not memory problems. The investigators hope to show that RT can support the healthy ageing of adults with Down syndrome.

Mechanisms of Resistance Exercise Training for Improved Muscle Insulin Sensitivity

To uncover the underlying mechanisms of resistance exercise training benefits on glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity in muscle.

Evaluating the Feasibility and Preliminary Effects of BE+

This non-randomized, single group study will test a 12-week, behavioral intervention for physical activity and stress management for survivors of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and a partner (family member or friend). The goals of this intervention, Breathe Easier+ (BE+), are to increase overall physical activity and overall fitness and to reduce symptoms (fatigue, breathlessness, sleep, and stress). The aim of this study is to evaluate the enrollment, retention, adherence, participation, and acceptability of the 12-week BE+ among NSCLC survivors and their partners. The study also aims to: 1. Explore preliminary intervention effects of BE+ on increasing physical activity and overall fitness (measured by 7-day Fitbit wear, step-in-place test, chair sit-and-stand, arm curl test, and balance test) from baseline to post-intervention among NSCLC survivors and their partners. 2. Explore preliminary effects of BE+ for improvement in stress response, symptom burden (fatigue, dyspnea), sleep, and HRQL from baseline to post-intervention among NSCLC survivors and their partners. Participants will receive education, social support, coaching, a guided walking program, supervised resistance training (RT), and meditations delivered via digital technology (tablet, smartphone, and Fitbit).

Frailty Intervention in Postoperative Hip Fracture Inpatients

Hip fracture is a big health concern in older adults, and can lead to increased risk of death, reduced level of independence \& mobility, reduced quality of life, and higher likelihood of admission to nursing homes. Frailty is a medical condition associated with ageing that results in a reduced ability to do daily tasks. A frail older adult is also less able to recover well from conditions that may affect their wellbeing (for example, infections, falls resulting in injuries or hospital admissions). Frailty is common in older adults with hip fractures. There has been increasing research showing that frailty can be slowed down and improved by a combination of nutritional supplementation and exercise. However, most of the research in this area has been in frail older adults living at home or in nursing homes. The exercise or nutritional programs in these studies tend to be carried out over weeks or months. There are very few studies looking at older adults in hospital and how exercise and nutrition help with frailty over shorter periods of time, even more so in patients who have sustained an injury. There is, however, very little research in hospital based frailty programs in older patients who have suffered major trauma. It is well known that standing up and starting to walk soon after a hip fracture improves time to recovery, reduces hospital length of stay and death. Hence, physiotherapy on the first day after hip fracture surgery is now recommended. However, there needs to be more research to aid in developing physiotherapy and exercise programs that are safe and doable in the care of hip fracture patients despite limited resources in our healthcare system. Similarly, although malnutrition is common in frail older adults with hip fractures, the benefits of nutritional supplementation in these patients is not fully understood. It is known that having a hip fracture puts a person at risk of muscle breakdown and increasing protein intake is recommended to help reduce this risk. Research on exercise and nutrition based frailty programs specific to hip fracture patients is strongly needed, specifically the development of that are doable and safe in the hospital setting that can help improve outcomes in hip fracture patients after surgery. The investigators believe that a multicomponent exercise and nutrition based frailty program will be safe, doable and acceptable in frail older adults after hip fracture surgery.

The SaVe Project-Sarcopenia and Vertigo in Aging Patients With Colorectal Cancer

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn about the cause of dizziness and decline in walking ability in in older adults ≥65 years during chemotherapy treatment for colorectal cancer. Another goal is to investigate if a comprehensive geriatric assessment and three months' specialized physical group-based exercise three times/week can counteract muscle weakness, vertigo, instability, impaired walking balance, and neuropathy

Prehabilitation With Resistance-exercise Training for Breast Cancer Neoadjuvant Therapy

Breast cancer stands as the foremost cause of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide, with the highest incidence of any cancer type. The choice of therapeutic interventions hinges upon factors like cancer stage, cell subtype, and tumor size. Consequently, individuals with more aggressive tumors, such as HER+2 and Triple Negative, or larger tumors often undergo neoadjuvant chemotherapy before breast surgery. However, these anticancer treatments come with side effects like cancer-related fatigue, reduced functional capacity, and changes in body composition, notably skeletal muscle atrophy. Skeletal muscle loss correlates with heightened mortality rates, cardiotoxicity, and diminished quality of life, underscoring the need for early therapeutic interventions. One such promising strategy is prehabilitation, which involves resistance-exercise training aimed at bolstering skeletal muscle mass from the outset of the disease, even preceding breast surgery. Resistance-exercise training has shown favorable effects on women undergoing adjuvant therapy or survivors of breast cancer, however, its molecular and clinical effects in women with breast cancer undergoing neoadjuvant therapy are unknown.

Effect of Low-load Resistance Training vs. High-intensity Interval Training on Local Muscle Endurance

Local muscle endurance (LME) is the ability of a muscle(s) to resist fatigue and is needed for daily activities of life such as climbing stairs, lifting/moving objects, and in sport contexts like rock climbing, mixed martial arts, cross-fit, kayaking and canoeing. Therefore, the investigators want learn how to improve LME and understand what in human bodies changes during exercise training to cause these changes. The investigators know that lifting weights improves muscle strength which is believed to improve LME. Specifically lifting less heavy weights (LLRET) for more repetitions leads to greater gains in LME opposed to heavier weights for fewer repetitions. Therefore, lifting less heavy weights likely causes greater changes in our muscles than lifting heavier weights that cause improvements in LME. Aerobic exercise preformed at high intensities in an interval format (HIIT) may also help improve LME by increasing our muscle's ability to produce energy during exercise. Therefore, the investigators want to see which of LLRET or HIIT leads to greater improvements in LME.

Exercise-Induced Hypoalgesia Differences Between Upper and Lower Limbs Resistance Training Interventions

This randomized controlled trial with healthy subjects aims to compare exercise-induced hypoalgesia among three groups: one utilizing a lower limb resistance training intervention, another using an upper limb resistance training, and a control group. The exercise protocol involves 3 sets of 5 repetitions of resistance exercises (brachial biceps curl and leg extensions). Exercise-induced hypoalgesia will be assessed by measuring pressure pain thresholds in the thigh and elbow, comparing exercise interventions with the control group. Additionally, a secondary objective is to compare the lower limb and upper limb resistance training groups in terms of their effects on pressure pain thresholds in the thigh and elbow. Thus, the study anticipates observing differences in local and distal hypoalgesia based on the trained region.

Feasibility of a Remotely-Delivered Resistance Training Program for Cognitive Function in Men Living With and Beyond Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer and its treatment are associated with many long-term adverse effects including cancer-related cognitive impairment. Specifically, androgen deprivation therapy has been shown to negatively impact cognitive function. Combined aerobic and resistance training has been shown to improve cognitive function in men treated with androgen deprivation therapy, but limited research has observed its impact into survivorship. Additionally, existing study designs are limited to supervised, combined aerobic and resistance training interventions. Remotely-delivered resistance training programs could enhance exercise participation by overcoming commonly reported barriers in men living with and beyond prostate cancer such as transportation, distance to facility, and timing of programs. Alongside the needs to address cancer-related cognitive impairments due to androgen deprivation therapy, resistance training may serve to manage functional deficits, losses in bone mineral density and muscle mass and increases in cardiometabolic risk factors. This study will assess the feasibility of an 8-week remotely-delivered resistance training program to improve cognitive function in men living with and beyond prostate cancer who have a history of androgen deprivation therapy treatment.

Resistance Intensive Personal Training for Youth with Cerebral Palsy

Changes related to Cerebral Palsy (CP) include differences in muscle architecture and cortical activity. These result in weakness, decreased functional ability and limited participation in physical activity. Strength training programs, particularly those including power training components, show great potential in improving the gross motor function of youth with CP. However, this intervention is not currently offered in the Calgary area. Delivered via an innovative partnership with community stakeholders, this project will investigate the preliminary effectiveness of the program to enable youth with CP to achieve child and family centered goals. It will also investigate the feasibility of offering this type of program via a community-hospital partnership. Research Question \& Objectives: 1. Can youth with cerebral palsy achieve their goals and improve their motor function through RIPT (Resistance Intensive Personal Training), a power training program offered jointly by specialized physiotherapists and fitness professionals in community settings? 2. What are the barriers and facilitators to delivery of RIPT in a community setting for youth, caregivers, clinicians, and program staff?

Hospital-Based and Home-Based Resistance Training in Adult Congenital Heart Disease

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is defined as functional or anatomical abnormalities of the heart and major intrathoracic vessels present at birth. Impaired responses to exercise in individuals with CHD reduce exercise capacity and increase long-term mortality risk. Today, the growing population of adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) faces chronic issues stemming from congenital abnormalities, along with muscle strength loss and a decline in activities of daily living. Once the planned treatments in this project proposal are implemented and data are obtained (especially if these data support the hypotheses), the treatment protocols applied in this study and their effects will be considered alongside the current treatment plans for individuals with CHD who experience muscle strength loss and disease-related impairment. With new treatment programs, this study aims to reduce disease-related muscle strength loss, improve disease-related outcomes, and enhance quality of life.

Impact of Menstrual Cycle-Based Resistance Training on Neuromuscular Performance in Female Athletes

The goal of this clinical trial is to assess the impact of menstrual cycle-based resistance training on neuromuscular function in female athletes. The primary questions it aims to answer are : * Does varying resistance training intensity according to menstrual phases improve maximal knee extensor strength? * How do different training protocols affect voluntary activation, rate of force development, muscle stiffness, and vertical jump height? Researchers will compare natural menstrual cycle groups with an oral contraceptive control group to determine if menstrual phase-specific training influences neuromuscular adaptations. Participants will: * Undergo 2 weekly resistance training sessions over 13 weeks with intensity adjustments based on menstrual phase * Complete periodic neuromuscular assessments across three menstrual phases: early follicular, late follicular, and mid-luteal before and after resistance training intervention

Stronger: Muscle Strengthening for Menopause

Menopause is a period of time with increased risk for muscle and bone loss. Very few people strength train regularly at least 2 times per week, and commonly reported barriers include inadequate time and resources, worries of safety, inadequate knowledge base of what moves to do and how to do them. Menopause-aged women may report unique barriers - or perceived facilitators - to strength training. This pilot study will develop and test the feasibility and acceptability of an at-home, band-based, expert-supported strength training intervention.

Effect of Intradialytic Exercise on Left Ventricular Diastolic Function in Hemodialysis Patients

Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in hemodialysis patients, primarily due to structural cardiac changes that lead to diastolic dysfunction. Furthermore, this population has a high prevalence of sedentary behavior and increased mortality associated with it. Recent studies have implemented exercise regimens in the chronic kidney disease population, demonstrating improvements in various parameters related to cardiovascular disease. Objectives: To evaluate the effect of implementing systematic intradialytic exercise on left ventricular diastolic function. Materials and Methods: This is a quasi-experimental study (before-and-after type) that will be conducted in two phases. In the first phase (rest), both incident and prevalent hemodialysis patients will receive treatment for 3 months. A baseline echocardiogram will be performed and then repeated at the end of the first phase to determine left ventricular diastolic function parameters. The second phase of the study (intradialytic exercise) will take place during the following 3 months, with an echocardiogram performed at the beginning and end of this phase. Systematic, prescribed, and supervised intradialytic aerobic exercise (intradialytic pedaling) will be implemented. Additionally, a 6-minute walk test and a validated physical activity questionnaire will be administered monthly during both phases of the study.

Effects of High Load Strength Training With and Without Tissue Specific Planter Facia Stretching With Planter Fasciitis

The rationale behind examining the synergistic impacts of high load strength training and tissues pecific plantar fascia stretching activities in athletes diagnosed with plantar fasciitis arises from an acknowledged deficiency in the existing body of scholarly research.Study design will be Randomized Control Trial. The study will be completed in 10 months after Synopsis Approval.The study will be carried in sports clubs of MOTH Mirpur AJK. Convenient Sampling will be used. Data Collection Tools will be used named as VAS, Functional foot index (FFI), and Goniometry used for Pain, functional disability and range of motion will be measured respectively before and after the intervention

Effects of Low-Intensity Blood Flow Restriction Training in Normoxia and Hypoxia Conditions

One approach to significantly reducing resistance training intensity while maintaining effectiveness in muscle mass and strength development involves conducting training sessions under hypoxic conditions. This is likely due to heightened physiological responses. While sports science research indicates a substantial impact of hypoxic conditions on immediate increases in metabolic stress and augmented hormonal responses, recent findings suggest that the role of their influence on skeletal muscle adaptations post-resistance training under hypoxic conditions remains unknown. Additionally, there is a lack of reports on whether the type of hypoxia applied via blood flow restriction or chamber differentiates the increase in secretion of these catecholamines in both immediate and long-term aspects.

Adaptive Response of Brain Towards Resistance Training in Healthy Individuals

The novelty of this study is to identify the mechanism of nervous system by applying resistance training intervention in healthy individuals.

Creatine Supplementation and Resistance Training in Patients With Breast Cancer

Background: Creatine supplementation is an effective ergogenic nutrient for athletes, as well as people for people starting a health or fitness program. Resistance training previously been identified as an important method of increasing muscle mass and strength among people, specially in people with cancer to avoid sarcopenia. The potential of creatine supplementation for adaptations produced by strength training in cancer patients are still unknown. Objective: the primary aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a 16-week supervised resistance training program intervention with and without creatine supplementation in patients with breast cancer. Methods: A multicentre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study designed to evaluate the effects of creatine supplementation in addition to resistance training in breast cancer patients. Patients will be randomly assigned to 3 groups: a control group (CG) and two experimental groups. The first resistance training group (RG) will perform resistance training, while the second resistance-creatine experimental group (RCG) will perform the same resistance training as the RG and will also receive a 5 g/day supplementation of creatine for the duration of the exercise the 16-week intervention. RG participants will follow the same daily dosing protocol, but in their case, with dextrose/maltodextrin. Resistance training will be a 16-week supervised workout that will consist of a series of resistance exercises (leg press, knee extension, knee bends, chest press, sit-ups, back extensions, pull-ups, and shoulder press) that involved the largest muscle groups of the body and will be performed three times a week on non-consecutive days. Both the RG and the RCG will receive a supplement of soluble protein powder (20-30 g) daily. Discussion: The results of this intervention will help to better understand the potential of non-pharmacological treatment for improving strength and wellbeing values in breast cancer patients with and without creatine supplementation.