This study has two phases: Phase 1 is to examine blood pressure, microvascular function, and sympathetic nerve activity in mid-life adult binge drinkers vs. alcohol abstainers/moderate drinkers. Phase 2 is to examine the effect of 8-week aerobic exercise training on blood pressure, microvascular function, and sympathetic nerve activity in mid-life adult binge drinkers
During phase 1, we will measure blood pressure, microvascular function, and sympathetic nerve activity (baseline assessment) in mid-life adult binge drinkers, alcohol abstainers, and moderate drinkers. Only mid-life adult binge drinkers will enter Phase 2 and be randomized to the exercise training group and non-exercise control group. After 8 weeks of intervention, we will re-measure blood pressure, microvascular function, and sympathetic nerve activity (post-intervention assessment) in mid-life adult binge drinkers.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
55
Subjects will be asked to perform exercise training (high-intensity interval training) under supervision, 3 times per week for 8 weeks. Each training session will last 40 minutes and will consist of 10-minute warm up at 70% of maximal heart rate (HRmax), four 4-minute intervals at 90% of HRmax with 3-min active recovery at 70% of HRmax and 5-minute cool down at 70% of HRmax.
Subjects will be asked to abstain from alcohol for 8 weeks. Education materials and bi-weekly consultations will be provided.
University of Texas at Arlington
Arlington, Texas, United States
RECRUITINGFeasibility of high-intensity interval training
Recruitment capacity (e.g., how many subjects respond and enter to the study or reasons of refusal), resulting subject characteristics, the number of exercise session attended, and the number of dropouts
Time frame: Through out the study participation (~3 months)
Changes in microvascular function
A small amount of fat will be taken form the buttock. Small vessels will then be found in the fat and their sizes in response to various flows and chemical agents will be measured.
Time frame: Baseline and after an 8-week intervention
Changes in sympathetic activity
A small electrode will be inserted into the back of the knee to record nerve activity (bursts/min).
Time frame: Baseline and after an 8-week intervention
Changes in urine catecholamine levels
Urine samples will be collected for 24 hours to measure norepinephrine levels (ug/g)
Time frame: Baseline and after an 8-week intervention
Changes in blood pressure
Systolic and Diastolic blood pressure will be measured at rest and for 24 hours.
Time frame: Baseline and after an 8-week intervention
Changes in alcohol intake
Questionnaires will be used to determine alcohol intake.
Time frame: Baseline and after an 8-week intervention
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