NCT07296991 VR Stimulation of Exercise Response in Sedentary Humans
| NCT ID | NCT07296991 |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | — |
| Sponsor | Wayne State University |
| Condition | Prolonged Inactivity |
| Study Type | INTERVENTIONAL |
| Enrollment | 48 participants |
| Start Date | 2025-09-30 |
| Primary Completion | 2028-08 |
Eligibility & Interventions
Eligibility Fast-Check
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What to Expect as a Participant
You will actively receive the study intervention — which may be a drug, biologic, device, or procedure.
This trial targets 48 participants in total. It began in 2025-09-30 with a primary completion date of 2028-08.
⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.
Brief Summary
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.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Equal numbers male and female (32 each) 2. Blood glucose HbA1C: 5.7-6.4% or 100-125 mg/dL 3. BP: systolic\<120 and diastolic\<80 mmHg, systolic 120-129 mmHg and diastolic \<80 mmHg, or systolic \>130 mmHg and diastolic \>80 mmHg Exclusion Criteria: 1. BMI\>35kg/m2 2. Currently involved in an exercise program or similar activity 3. Taking medications that could affect results, including beta-blockers or SSRIs 4. Demonstrate any form of discomfort with the VR experience through self-reported feelings of anxiety or nausea 5. Alcohol consumption above a minimal level(\<2 oz/night) 6. BP: Systolic \>160 mmHg and Diastolic \>110 mmHg
Contact & Investigator
Robert J Wessells, PhD
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Wayne State University
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the NCT07296991 clinical trial?
This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 25 Years or older, up to 40 Years, studying Prolonged Inactivity. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.
Is NCT07296991 currently recruiting?
Yes, NCT07296991 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at asujkows@med.wayne.edu for enrollment information.
Where is the NCT07296991 trial being conducted?
This trial is being conducted at Detroit, United States.
Who is sponsoring the NCT07296991 clinical trial?
NCT07296991 is sponsored by Wayne State University. The principal investigator is Robert J Wessells, PhD at Wayne State University. The trial plans to enroll 48 participants.