Heart Focused Movement Effects on Cardiometabolic Risk

February 8, 2024 updated by: Linda Larkey, Arizona State University

Effects of QiGong and Tai Chi (QTC) and Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback (HRVB) on Older Adults' Cardiometabolic Risk

This study is designed as a two-group parallel randomized controlled trial (N=50) to test effects of 8-weeks of Qigong/Tai Chi (QTC) intervention compared to QTC plus HRVB on HRV parameters (primary), and cardiometabolic risk factors and sequelae (secondary) (e.g., BMI, waist circumference/percent body fat, sleep quality, stress, anxiety/depression, emotional regulation, eating behaviors, and cognitive performance).

Study Overview

Status

Status

Indicates the current recruitment status or the expanded access status.
Completed

Conditions

Conditions

The disease, disorder, syndrome, illness, or injury that is being studied. On ClinicalTrials.gov, conditions may also include other health-related issues, such as lifespan, quality of life, and health risks.

Intervention / Treatment

Intervention / Treatment

A process or action that is the focus of a clinical study. Interventions include drugs, medical devices, procedures, vaccines, and other products that are either investigational or already available. Interventions can also include noninvasive approaches, such as education or modifying diet and exercise.

Detailed Description

Heart rate variability biofeedback (HRVB) will be investigated as a target to optimize Qigong/Tai Chi (QTC) practices based on the expectation that learning to, and practicing changing heart rate variability (HRV) using HRVB, in addition to QTC, will result in higher levels of HRV and coherence than just the QTC alone. This study is designed as a two-group parallel randomized controlled trial to test effects of QTC compared to QTC plus HRVB on HRV parameters (primary), and cardiometabolic risk factors and sequelae (secondary). Fifty participants will be recruited and randomized to one of these groups and receive daily text prompts for 8 weeks to practice (using video links) Tai Chi Easy for 10-30 minutes (length of practice, the participants' choice). Half of the participants randomized to the HRVB enhancement will also be coached to practice HRVB to achieve coherence in their heart beat rhythms prior to practice (QTC plus HRVB group). Data collection at baseline and post intervention will assess body mass index (BMI, waist circumference/percent body fat, sleep quality, stress, eating behaviors, emotion regulation, mood (depression and anxiety), cognitive performance and changes in HRV parameters (high frequency power and coherence).

Study Type

Study Type

Describes the nature of a clinical study. Study types include interventional studies (also called clinical trials), observational studies (including patient registries), and expanded access.
Interventional

Enrollment (Actual)

Enrollment

The number of participants in a clinical study. The "anticipated" enrollment is the target number of participants that the researchers need for the study.
22

Phase

Phase

The stage of a clinical trial studying a drug or biological product, based on definitions developed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The phase is based on the study's objective, the number of participants, and other characteristics. There are five phases: Early Phase 1 (formerly listed as Phase 0), Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, and Phase 4. Not Applicable is used to describe trials without FDA-defined phases, including trials of devices or behavioral interventions.
  • Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Contact

Study Contact

The name and contact information for the person who can answer enrollment questions for a clinical study. Each location where the study is being conducted may also have a specific contact, who may be better able to answer those questions.

Study Contact Backup

  • Name: Dara James, PhD
  • Phone Number: 207-479-1440

Study Locations

  • United States
    • Arizona
      • Phoenix, Arizona, United States, 85005
        • Arizona State University

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

The key requirements that people who want to participate in a clinical study must meet or the characteristics they must have. Eligibility criteria consist of both inclusion criteria (which are required for a person to participate in the study) and exclusion criteria (which prevent a person from participating). Types of eligibility criteria include whether a study accepts healthy volunteers, has age or age group requirements, or is limited by sex.

Ages Eligible for Study

55 years to 85 years (Adult, Older Adult)

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • 31.5 inch or above waist circumference women
  • 35.5 inch or above waist circumference men
  • Has a smartphone or tablet

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Those who are unable to stand for 10-minute segments (e.g., wheelchair or walker bound and too weak), and/or unable to walk
  • People who have been regularly practicing any form of meditative movement and or HRVB training regularly (i.e., 2 or more times per month for the past 6 months)
  • Individuals with diagnosed severe heart arrhythmias, heart transplant, or those with pacemakers would be excluded because either of those interferes with accurately assessing HRV parameters.

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

  • Primary Purpose: Other
  • Allocation: Randomized
  • Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
  • Masking: None (Open Label)

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm

Participant Group / Arm

A group or subgroup of participants in a clinical trial that receives a specific intervention/treatment, or no intervention, according to the trial's protocol.
Intervention / Treatment

Intervention / Treatment

A process or action that is the focus of a clinical study. Interventions include drugs, medical devices, procedures, vaccines, and other products that are either investigational or already available. Interventions can also include noninvasive approaches, such as education or modifying diet and exercise.
Active Comparator: Qigong/Tai Chi Intervention
Meditative movement practice based on qigong and tai chi, delivered via video link
Behavioral: Qigong/Tai Chi
Participants will engage in 8 weeks of gentle movement/mindfulness videos provided in a daily text prompt, asking that this be practices most days of the week. A choice of practice video links will be provided, ranging from 10-30 minutes in length, and later confirmation texts will be employed to document if practiced, and what length was chosen.
Experimental: Qigong/Tai Chi (QTC) + Heart Rate Variability (HRVB) Intervention
Meditative movement practice based on qigong and tai chi, delivered via video link with the addition of a brief practice with a the feedback on heart rate variability from an Inner Balance app.
Behavioral: Qigong/Tai Chi
Participants will engage in 8 weeks of gentle movement/mindfulness videos provided in a daily text prompt, asking that this be practices most days of the week. A choice of practice video links will be provided, ranging from 10-30 minutes in length, and later confirmation texts will be employed to document if practiced, and what length was chosen.
Behavioral: Heart rate variability biofeedback
Randomized participants will be coached to practice a breathing technique that focuses attention on the sensations in the heart area, slowing and deepening the breath, and activating through memory or imagery a positive emotion. This practice is used along with a feedback device that provides information on achievement of the heart rate variability target, "coherence" that represents a neurocardiac state associated with vagal tone, or balance.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Primary Outcome Measures

In a clinical study's protocol, the planned outcome measure that is the most important for evaluating the effect of an intervention/treatment. Most clinical studies have one primary outcome measure, but some have more than one.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Vagal Tone
Time Frame: 8 Weeks
Measured using resting Heart rate variability and computing parameters of high frequency power and coherence. Will be assessed with participants following a videoguide "to measure their heart rate" that helps them set up equipment and account, seated for 5 minutes of interbeat interval capture using the Inner Balance Bluetooth (HeartMath product) software and earlobe heart beat sensor.
8 Weeks

Secondary Outcome Measures

Secondary Outcome Measures

In a clinical study's protocol, a planned outcome measure that is not as important as the primary outcome measure for evaluating the effect of an intervention but is still of interest. Most clinical studies have more than one secondary outcome measure.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Waist circumference
Time Frame: 8 Weeks
Waist circumference is measured using tape measure around the waist (after exhale). This is part of the protocol for overall body composition computations using the Marine/Navy protocol.
8 Weeks
Abdominal circumference
Time Frame: 8 Weeks
Abdominal circumference is measured using tape measure around the abdomen/ This is part of the protocol for overall body composition computations using the Marine/Navy Protocol
8 Weeks
Height
Time Frame: 8 Weeks
Measured using tape measure to record inches while participant is standing against a wall.
8 Weeks
Weight
Time Frame: 8 weeks
Digital scales measurement is used to record weight in pounds.
8 weeks
Perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale-10)
Time Frame: 8 Weeks
Questionnaire about the amount of stress participants are experiencing daily use includes 10 items with a 0-4 response format. Total scores range from 0-40 with higher scores indicating more perceived stress.
8 Weeks
Sleep (Insomnia Severity Index)
Time Frame: 8 Weeks
Questionnaire about the sleeping habits of participants includes 7 items with response format of 0-4. Total scores range from 0 to 28 with higher scores indicating more severe insomnia: 0-7 = No clinically significant insomnia 8-14 = Subthreshold insomnia 15-21 = Clinical insomnia (moderate severity) 22-28 = Clinical insomnia (severe)
8 Weeks
Depression (Profile of Mood States subscale)
Time Frame: 8 Weeks
Questionnaire includes a 6-item subscale rating level of depression. Participants respond to a single word item by marking a response scale of 0 to 4, with totals ranging from 0-24. Higher scores indicate higher experience of depression.
8 Weeks
Anxiety (Profile of Mood States subscale)
Time Frame: 8 Weeks
Questionnaire includes a 6-item subscale rating level of anxiety. Participants respond to a single word item by marking a response scale of 0 to 4, with totals ranging from 0-24. Higher scores indicate higher experience of Anxiety.
8 Weeks
Emotion regulation (Emotion Regulation Questionnaire)
Time Frame: 8 Weeks
Questionnaire about the emotional regulation of the participants includes 10 items describing ways of regulating emotion with response options from 1-7. Total scores range from 10-70 with higher scores indicating more emotion regulation patterns.
8 Weeks
Eating Behaviors (Three Factor Eating Questionnaire)
Time Frame: 8 Weeks
Questionnaire about the typical eating habits of the participants related to various states of mind or emotions; includes 21 items scored 1-4; total scores range from 21 to 84 with higher scores indicating more controlled/managed and less emotional eating behaviors.
8 Weeks
Awareness (one subscale of the Mindful Eating Questionnaire)
Time Frame: 8 Weeks
The Awareness subscale of the Mindful Eating Questionnaire including 7 items about degree of attention while eating; response format 1-4 (with total score range 7-28) shows higher scores representing more awareness/mindfulness in eating behavior.
8 Weeks
Cognitive Performance (Weschler Adult Intelligence Scales -III, letter number sequencing and forward backward digit span tests)
Time Frame: 8 Weeks
The Letter-number sequencing, and forward backward digit span tests of the Weschler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) III will be administered to study participants to examine cognitive performance. Sets of letters and sets of numbers are read to the participant iteratively; after each set is read, the participant is to repeat back according to instructions to repeat or to repeat in backward order. The first sets are smaller numbers of presented items, increasing with each set of presentations, and are continued until the participant fails a full set. higher scores indicate better cognitive performance. Scores are based on a score of 1 per presented item completed correctly until failure, range 0-51(30 for digits forward/backward and 21 for letter number sequencing).
8 Weeks

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Sponsor

The organization or person who initiates the study and who has authority and control over the study.
Arizona State University

Investigators

Investigators

A researcher involved in a clinical study. Related terms include site principal investigator, site sub-investigator, study chair, study director, and study principal investigator.
  • Principal Investigator: Linda Larkey, PhD, Arizona State University

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Actual)

Study Start

The actual date on which the first participant was enrolled in a clinical study. The "anticipated" study start date is the date that the researchers think will be the study start date.
December 1, 2020

Primary Completion (Actual)

Primary Completion

The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention to collect final data for the primary outcome measure. Whether the clinical study ended according to the protocol or was terminated does not affect this date. For clinical studies with more than one primary outcome measure with different completion dates, this term refers to the date on which data collection is completed for all the primary outcome measures. The "anticipated" primary completion date is the date that the researchers think will be the primary completion date for the study.
June 30, 2023

Study Completion (Actual)

Study Completion

The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention/treatment to collect final data for the primary outcome measures, secondary outcome measures, and adverse events (that is, the last participant's last visit). The "anticipated" study completion date is the date that the researchers think will be the study completion date.
July 31, 2023

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

First Submitted

The date on which the study sponsor or investigator first submitted a study record to ClinicalTrials.gov. There is typically a delay of a few days between the first submitted date and the record's availability on ClinicalTrials.gov (the first posted date).
June 4, 2021

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

The date on which the study sponsor or investigator first submits a study record that is consistent with National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review criteria. The sponsor or investigator may need to revise and submit a study record one or more times before NLM's QC review criteria are met. It is the responsibility of the sponsor or investigator to ensure that the study record is consistent with the NLM QC review criteria.
January 6, 2023

First Posted (Actual)

First Posted

The date on which the study record was first available on ClinicalTrials.gov after National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review has concluded. There is typically a delay of a few days between the date the study sponsor or investigator submitted the study record and the first posted date.
January 18, 2023

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

Last Update Posted

The most recent date on which changes to a study record were made available on ClinicalTrials.gov. There may be a delay between when the changes were submitted to ClinicalTrials.gov by the study's sponsor or investigator (the last update submitted date) and the last update posted date.
February 12, 2024

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

The most recent date on which the study sponsor or investigator submitted changes to a study record that are consistent with National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review criteria. It is the responsibility of the sponsor or investigator to ensure that the study record is consistent with the NLM QC review criteria.
February 8, 2024

Last Verified

Last Verified

The most recent date on which the study sponsor or investigator confirmed the information about a clinical study on ClinicalTrials.gov as accurate and current. If a study with a recruitment status of recruiting; not yet recruiting; or active, not recruiting has not been confirmed within the past 2 years, the study's recruitment status is shown as unknown.
February 1, 2024

More Information

Terms related to this study

Other Study ID Numbers

Other Study ID Numbers

Identifiers or ID numbers other than the NCT number that are assigned to a clinical study by the study's sponsor, funders, or others. These numbers may include unique identifiers from other trial registries and National Institutes of Health grant numbers.
  • 00011769

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

product manufactured in and exported from the U.S.

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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