The Combined Portfolio Diet and Exercise Study (PortfolioEx)

February 8, 2024 updated by: Unity Health Toronto

The First Cross-Canada Trial of the Nutrition Trialists' Network--Enhanced Dietary Portfolio and Exercise on Arterial Damage (MRI-Enhanced Dietary Portfolio Plus Exercise on Cardiovascular Risk)

The purpose of this study is to determine whether a dietary portfolio of cholesterol-lowering foods (viscous fibres, soy protein, plant sterols and nuts) further enhanced by increased levels of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and low glycemic index foods; together with a structured exercise program reduce the progression of carotid and coronary atheromatous lesions, Low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), and blood pressure, while reducing the number of individuals requiring statins.

Study Overview

Detailed Description

Presently in Canada, 29% of deaths are due to cardiovascular disease (CVD), costing $20.9 billion annually. The investigators have, therefore, brought together an unique network of investigators at different stages in their careers with a range of disciplines (nutrition, cardiology, diabetes, exercise physiology, imaging, physics, clinical trials, statistics, laboratory medicine, primary care, genetics, psychology, knowledge translation (KT), epidemiology), and with international recognition, experience and connections, to undertake a Canada-wide, multi-centre study which will test the ability of an effective cholesterol-lowering diet (dietary portfolio) and an exercise program, developed at Laval University, over 3 years to reduce the progression of plaque build-up in the carotid artery as assessed by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in individuals with hypercholesterolemia and or type 2 diabetes. The dietary portfolio which has been proven in many of our studies to be an effective cholesterol-lowering diet will be enhanced to include features from other dietary strategies which the investigators have tested or developed; such as high monounsaturated fat (from Mediterranean diet) (CMAJ 2010) and low glycemic index foods (JAMA 2008). The investigators plan to recruit194 (approximately 200) men and postmenopausal women, who have measurable thickening (as assessed by ultrasound) due to plaque build up in the carotid arteries, in a 1.5 year period for this 3 year study. Ultrasound selection will be of individuals with intima-media thickness (IMT) >/=1.2mm as relevant arterial thickening to ensure a relatively low risk for the majority of the group, yet with some measurable arterial thickening.

Those selected will be randomly assigned to receive advice in one of four experimental arms: 1) Portfolio Plus diet and intensive increased physical activity program, 2) Portfolio Plus diet and a copy of Health Canada Physical Activity Guidelines with advice to increase physical activity, 3) DASH-like diet and an intensive increased physical activity program and 4) DASH-like diet and a copy of Health Canada Physical Activity Guidelines with advice to increase physical activity. The results of the study will have a major influence on dietary and exercise guidelines for coronary heart disease (CH risk reduction and provide evidence for the larger international trial that will focus on hard endpoints, myocardial infarction (MI) and CHD events). It is hoped that this cohort of participants will continue on and form part of the planned 9 year hard end point (MACE) study if funded.

Prior to starting treatments, participants will undergo screening ultrasound examination of both right and left carotids to enable selection of those individuals whose intima-media thickness (IMT) would be 5-30% below the cut point considered by the Mannheim Consensus as relevant arterial thickening to ensure a relatively low risk group, yet with some measurable arterial thickening.

It will be emphasized at the outset that both the dietary portfolio and the DASH-like diets have been associated with benefits in terms of cholesterol reduction to provide equal encouragement for all study arms. Portfolio and DASH-like dietary advice will consist of half hour individual sessions with the dietitian at baseline, and at 3-month intervals throughout the trial except for the first month when dietary advice will be reinforced, every 2 weeks, by telephone call to the participant or participant visit to the clinic. Prior to starting each diet, instruction will be given on achieving the dietary goals. At follow-up visits, the participants' completed 7-day diet records will be discussed and the original advice reinforced.

For the treatments with intensive increased physical activity the standardized physical activity/exercise component will be supervised by trained kinesiologists (exercise physiologists) for the 4 visits followed by monthly phone calls for the first year for the exercise component, when the major exercise training is provided. 7-day Exercise diaries will be collected at each visit. Using well-established procedures standardized across centers by the Quebec Heart and Lung Institute, the baseline visit will be used to provide a broad qualitative assessment of participants' lifestyle habits and preferences. Standardized physical activity questionnaires will be completed and participants will be asked to wear a pedometer for seven days prior to the intervention to quantify baseline physical activity (daily step count Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is assessed using a submaximal treadmill test adapted from a progressive submaximal power output test performed on a cycle ergometer. The protocol begins with a warm-up workload of 2.5 mph with a 0% slope. The second stage is performed at a speed of 3.5 mph with a 2% slope. The third stage is adjusted in an attempt to reach 75% of the age-estimated maximal heart rate (HR). If necessary, a 4th stage is performed. Estimated VO2max is predicted by extrapolation to age-predicted maximal heart rate at a standardized submaximal treadmill stage (3.5 mph, 2% slope) and estimated maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) are the variables considered as indicators of CRF in the present study.

For treatments with routine advice to increase physical activity, Health Canada Physical Activity Guidelines for adults 18-64 years or for older adults 65 years & older will be provided. They will be seen at the start and the end of each year for their formal exercise testing and will bring with them completed physical activities questionnaires. They will receive no other physical activities instruction.

Every effort will be made to obtain study blood samples and carotid imaging data from all subjects at the designated times regardless of adherence to the dietary aspects of the study protocol. All subjects will be included in the intention-to-treat analysis.

Study Type

Interventional

Enrollment (Actual)

232

Phase

  • 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 Backup

Study Locations

    • British Columbia
      • Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6Z 1Y6
        • Healthy Heart Lipid Clinic, St. Paul's Hospital
    • Manitoba
      • Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, R3T 6C5
        • Richardson Centre for Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals, University of Manitoba
    • Ontario
      • Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5C 2T2
        • Risk Factor Modification Centre, St. Michael's Hospital
    • Quebec
      • Quebec City, Quebec, Canada, G1V 4G2
        • Institute of Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods, Laval 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

Ages Eligible for Study

21 years and older (Adult, Older Adult)

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Description

A) Inclusion Criteria:

  • Eligible participants will be

    • men over 21 years
    • post-menopausal women

Having a BMI less than or equal to 40 kg/m2 and who have measurable arterial thickening (>/=1.2mm) at screening as assessed by ultrasound.

They will include those who have at least 1 of the following characteristics:

  1. Type 2 diabetes
  2. Non-diabetic subjects post MI or post percutaneous coronary intervention (angioplasty) on statin therapy;
  3. Hyper-cholesterolemic and treated with statins or have been prescribed statins but are not taking it because they are either unable (intolerant) or unwilling to take statin drugs.
  4. Raised blood pressure, >140/90 (untreated)

B) Exclusion Criteria:

  • Individuals with the following conditions will be excluded:

    • cardiovascular disease that precludes exercise e.g.

      • recent stroke or
      • recent myocardial infarction or
    • cardiac condition that severely compromises normal function:

      • mitral valve disease, atrial fibrillation and individuals with Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD)
      • heart failure--grades 2-4 (based on New York Heart Association classification),
      • severe angina sufficient to prevent any form of physical activity
      • other conditions preventing exercise.
  • secondary causes of hypercholesterolemia e.g. hypothyroidism (unless treated and on a stable dose of L-thyroxin), clinically significant renal (that precludes dietary change) or liver disease .
  • LDL-cholesterol <1.4mmol/L
  • uncontrolled blood pressure
  • major disability
  • disorder requiring continuous medical attention (on Coumadin) and treatment, such as:

    • chronic heart failure
    • liver disease
    • renal failure or
    • cancer (except non-melanoma skin cancer--basal cell, squamous cell)
    • chronic infections (bacterial or viral)
    • chronic inflammatory diseases (eg. lupus, ulcerative colitis, crohn's disease, celiac disease or gluten sensitivity)
    • other autoimmune disease
  • major surgery <6 months prior to randomization
  • newly diagnosed with diabetes (<3 months)
  • alcohol consumption >3 drinks/d
  • not suitable for MRI examination because of metal implants or claustrophobia
  • food allergies or sensitivity to study foods or study food components (eg. tree nuts, peanuts, soy, wheat, gluten, oats, eggs, milk)
  • already following a portfolio-like diet (and are not prepared to change) or have a structured exercise program which they cannot increase any further
  • do not have a family doctor

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: Treatment
  • Allocation: Randomized
  • Interventional Model: Factorial Assignment
  • Masking: Double

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm
Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: Portfolio diet and structured exercise
Participants will receive advice on a therapeutic diet appropriate for hypercholesterolemia (ie <7% of energy from saturated fat, <200mg/d cholesterol) PLUS the combination of viscous fibres, soy protein, plant sterols and nuts, 5% extra monounsaturated fat, and selection of low glycemic index foods and be instructed on a standardized physical activity/exercise component supervised by kinesiologists.

Diet: Foods will contribute 9 g/1000 kcal viscous fibre as β-glucan (oats, barley and oat bran breads) and psyllium (cereal), 1 g plant sterol/1000 kcal diet (in sterol margarine), 22.5 g soy protein/1000 kcal (soy burgers and other soy meat analogues, soy milks, yogurts and cheese) and 22.5 g nuts/1000 kcal and increased MUFA (as olive and canola oils, avocados, nuts etc.). The glycemic index will be reduced from 83 to 70 GI units (bread scale).

Exercise: A program encouraging 150 minutes of exercise, based on the Quebec Heart and Lung Institute exercise program. A short submaximal treadmill test will be used to assess cardiorespiratory fitness. A kinesiologist will work with participants using behavioral strategies to achieve the target of 150 min/week of physical activity or exercise in 3 or 5 sessions weekly (vigorous, moderate or mild depending on goals and tolerance). The target goal will be at least 10,000 steps daily.

Other Names:
  • Dietary Portfolio of cholesterol-lowering foods
  • Enhanced portfolio
  • Low Glycemic Index Portfolio
  • Portfolio Plus diet
  • Laval exercise program
  • structured exercise program
  • Portfolio diet
  • structured exercise
Active Comparator: DASH-like diet and structured exercise
Participants will receive advice to follow a DASH-like diet of whole grains, and low-fat dairy products with fruits and vegetables and a be instructed on the Laval exercise program-a standardized physical activity/exercise component supervised by trained kinesiologists (exercise physiologists).

Diet: Participants will be encouraged to follow a diet of whole grain foods (brown rice, whole wheat breads, muffins and breakfast cereals), reduce meat consumption, choose low fat dairy foods and a control margarine.

Exercise: A physical activity/exercise program encouraging 150 minutes of exercise, based on the exercise program developed at the Quebec Heart and Lung Institute. A short submaximal treadmill test will be used to assess cardiorespiratory fitness. A kinesiologist will work with participants using behavioral strategies to develop and support a plan that aims to achieve the target of 150 min/week of physical activity or exercise in 3 or 5 sessions weekly (vigorous, moderate or mild depending of goals and tolerance) in keeping with maximum achievable goals of participants. The target goal will be at least 10,000 steps daily recorded on their pedometers.

Other Names:
  • Laval exercise program
  • structured exercise program
  • Modified DASH diet
  • high fibre diet
  • DASH-like diet
Experimental: Portfolio diet and routine exercise
Participants will receive advice that will conform to the current therapeutic diet appropriate for hypercholesterolemia (ie <7% of energy from saturated fat, <200mg/d cholesterol) PLUS the combination of viscous fibres, soy protein, plant sterols and nuts, 5% extra monounsaturated fat, and selection of low glycemic index foods and will be provided with a copy of Health Canada Physical Activity Guidelines with advice to increase physical activity.

Diet: Foods on the dietary portfolio plan will contribute 9 g/1000 kcal viscous fibre as β-glucan (oats, barley and oat bran breads) and psyllium (cereal), 1 g plant sterol/1000 kcal diet (in sterol margarine), 22.5 g soy protein/1000 kcal (soy burgers and other soy meat analogues, soy milks, yogurts and cheese) and 22.5 g peanuts or equivalent of tree nuts/1000 kcal (Table 1A) and increased MUFA (as olive and canola oils, avocados, nuts etc.). The glycemic index will be reduced from 83 to 70 GI units (bread scale).

Exercise: Participants in this group will receive standard of care for individuals being seen by a general practitioner. They will be advised to achieve the current recommended targets for daily physical activity and educational material published by Health Canada (Canada's Physical Activity Guide, Health Canada). They will undergo treadmill tests at the start and end of each 1 year period. They will not receive the more frequent, targeted visits with a kinesiologist.

Other Names:
  • Dietary Portfolio of cholesterol-lowering foods
  • Enhanced portfolio
  • Low Glycemic Index Portfolio
  • Portfolio Plus diet
  • routine exercise
Active Comparator: DASH-like diet and routine exercise
Participants will receive advice to follow a DASH-like diet of whole grains, and low-fat dairy products with fruits and vegetables and will be provided with a copy of Health Canada Physical Activity Guidelines with advice to increase physical activity.

Diet: Participants will be encouraged to follow a diet of whole grain foods (brown rice, whole wheat breads, muffins and breakfast cereals), reduce meat consumption, choose low fat dairy foods and a control margarine.

Exercise: Participants in this group will receive standard of care for individuals being seen by a general practitioner. They will be advised to achieve the current recommended targets for daily physical activity and educational material published by Health Canada (Canada's Physical Activity Guide, Health Canada). They will undergo treadmill tests at the start and end of each 1 year period. They will not receive the more frequent, targeted visits with a kinesiologist.

Other Names:
  • Modified DASH diet
  • high fibre diet
  • routine exercise

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Change from baseline of the maximum vessel wall volume of the carotid arteries by MRI at year 1 and 3
Time Frame: At months 0, 12 and 36
MRI imaging assessment of the carotid arteries will be done at baseline, end of year 1 and year 3.
At months 0, 12 and 36

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Coronary atheroma in the large vessels by MRI at year 1 and 3
Time Frame: At months 0, 12 and 36
This will be assessed by MRI imaging of the Coronary and carotid arteries
At months 0, 12 and 36
Lipid rich necrotic core by MRI at year 1 and 3
Time Frame: At months 0, 12 and 36
This will be assessed by MRI imaging of the Coronary and carotid arteries
At months 0, 12 and 36
intra plaque hemorrhage by MRI at year 1 and 3
Time Frame: At months 0, 12 and 36
This will be assessed by MRI imaging of the Coronary and carotid arteries
At months 0, 12 and 36
Blood pressure and pulse rate
Time Frame: At months 0, 12 and 36
This is a composite measure that would by done using an automatic digital BP monitor which simultaneously measures and displays systolic and diastolic pressure (mmHg) and pulse rate (bpm) readings on an output screen.
At months 0, 12 and 36
Treatment difference in initiation of statin therapy
Time Frame: At month 12 and 36
Assessment will be based on the current Canadian Cardiovascular Society Guidelines
At month 12 and 36
Composite endpoint of Myocardial Infarction, Revascularization, Cardio Vascular hospitalization, Cardiovascular mortality and stroke
Time Frame: at month 12 and 36
Information will be obtained from medical records of participants affected
at month 12 and 36
Atrial Fibrillation and heart failure
Time Frame: at month 12 and 36
Information will be obtained from medical records of the participants
at month 12 and 36

Other Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Completeness of clinic attendance and data collection and provision of fasting blood samples for planned tests.
Time Frame: At months -3, -0.5, and then at months 0, 3, 6, 9,12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33 and 36
This will be used as a measure of retention
At months -3, -0.5, and then at months 0, 3, 6, 9,12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33 and 36
Serum lipids: total cholesterol, LDL-chol, HDL-chol, and Triglycerides
Time Frame: At months -3, -0.5, and then at months 0, 3, 6, 9,12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33 and 36
Serum lipids will be measured at each Centre on fasting serum. LDL-C will be calculated using the Friedewald equation. Serum lipid standards will be used to quality control the lipid analyses at the collaborating sites
At months -3, -0.5, and then at months 0, 3, 6, 9,12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33 and 36
Hemoglobin A1c
Time Frame: At months -3, -0.5, 0, 3, 6, 9,12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33 and 36
safety monitoring especially for participants with type 2 diabetes
At months -3, -0.5, 0, 3, 6, 9,12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33 and 36
C-reactive protein
Time Frame: At months 0,12, 24 and 36
C-reactive protein will be measured at each Centre on fasting serum.
At months 0,12, 24 and 36
Urinary analyses
Time Frame: At baseline (months -0.5 & 0) and end (months 33 & 36)
24 hr urine samples will be analyzed for creatinine, urea, C-peptide, minerals, electrolytes and other dietary biomarkers
At baseline (months -0.5 & 0) and end (months 33 & 36)
Fasting blood Glucose
Time Frame: At months -3, -0.5, 0, 3, 6, 9,12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33 and 36
safety monitoring especially for participants with type 2 diabetes
At months -3, -0.5, 0, 3, 6, 9,12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33 and 36
Blood Pressure
Time Frame: At months -3, -0.5, and then at months 0, 3, 6, 9,12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33 and 36
In clinic assessment using a digital blood pressure monitor
At months -3, -0.5, and then at months 0, 3, 6, 9,12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33 and 36
Treadmill testing
Time Frame: At month -1, and end of years 1, 2, and 3
Physical fitness testing to assess fitness level
At month -1, and end of years 1, 2, and 3
Diet history
Time Frame: At months -3, -0.5, and then at months 0, 3, 6, 9,12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33 and 36
7-day food records brought in at 3 monthly intervals will be analysed for macro and micro nutrient intakes.
At months -3, -0.5, and then at months 0, 3, 6, 9,12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33 and 36
Exercise history
Time Frame: At months -3, -0.5, and then at months 0, 3, 6, 9,12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33 and 36
7-day exercise/ activity records of the week prior to each study visit will be assessed for the type and duration of activity.
At months -3, -0.5, and then at months 0, 3, 6, 9,12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33 and 36
Pedometer records
Time Frame: At months -3, -0.5, and then at months 0, 3, 6, 9,12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33 and 36
These will be assessed for the daily step count over a 7-day period prior to the specified time points for the test group only.
At months -3, -0.5, and then at months 0, 3, 6, 9,12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33 and 36
Survey on quality of life
Time Frame: At months 0 and 36.
This will be done using a Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Questionnaire (SF-36).
At months 0 and 36.
Palatability (taste) of diet
Time Frame: At months 3, 6, 9,12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33 and 36
This will be measure on a scale to 1 to 10. 1 being 'strongly dislike' and 10 being 'like very much'. Participants will rate the taste (palatability) of the study diet and dietary components.
At months 3, 6, 9,12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33 and 36
Satiety
Time Frame: At months 3, 6, 9,12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33 and 36
Using a 9-point bipolar semantic scale where -4 is extremely hungry, 0 is neutral and +4 is uncomfortably full, participants will rate their overall feeling of satiety for the previous week
At months 3, 6, 9,12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33 and 36
Sustainability of diet (preparedness to continue on the diet)
Time Frame: At months 33 and 36
Participants' preparedness to continue on the diet will be measured on a scale of 1 to 10. 1 = diet not sustainable; 10 = diet very sustainable
At months 33 and 36
Genetic testing for specific genes
Time Frame: Week 0 or any other time point
One time sample collection of buffy coat (from white cells) for future study on gene, diet, exercise and chronic disease relationship
Week 0 or any other time point
Complete blood count (CBC)
Time Frame: Months 0, 12, 24 and 36
Health check at start and yearly intervals
Months 0, 12, 24 and 36
Renal function tests
Time Frame: Months 0, 12, 24 and 36
Health check at start and yearly intervals
Months 0, 12, 24 and 36
Liver function tests
Time Frame: Months 0, 12, 24 and 36
Health check at start and yearly intervals
Months 0, 12, 24 and 36
Prostatic specific antigen (PSA)
Time Frame: Months 0, 12, 24 and 36
Health check at start and yearly intervals for male participants
Months 0, 12, 24 and 36
Cognitive Assessment
Time Frame: months 0, 12, 24 and 36
The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) (version 7.1 original version) will be administered at months 0, 12, 24 and 36. This tool measures different cognitive domains such as attention, concentration, memory, language etc.
months 0, 12, 24 and 36

Collaborators and Investigators

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

Investigators

  • Principal Investigator: David Jenkins, MD, Risk Factor Modification Centre, St. Michael's Hospital
  • Study Director: Benoit Lamarche, PhD, Laval University
  • Study Director: Peter Jones, PhD, University of Manitoba
  • Study Director: Jiri Frohlich, MD, University of British Columbia

Publications and helpful links

The person responsible for entering information about the study voluntarily provides these publications. These may be about anything related to the study.

General Publications

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)

November 25, 2016

Primary Completion (Actual)

June 13, 2023

Study Completion (Actual)

June 23, 2023

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

May 26, 2015

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

June 22, 2015

First Posted (Estimated)

June 25, 2015

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

February 12, 2024

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

February 8, 2024

Last Verified

February 1, 2024

More Information

Terms related to this study

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

YES

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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