Polarized Aerobic Training and Vascular Adaptations in Apparently Healthy Individuals
Recruiting now · Not applicable
Conditions studied: Sedentary Lifestyle
In brief
This randomized controlled trial will investigate the effects of a 6-week polarized aerobic training intervention on vascular and cardiorespiratory function in apparently healthy sedentary adults aged 30-50 years. Polarized training is characterized by a high proportion of low-intensity aerobic exercise combined with a smaller volume of high-intensity interval exercise, potentially providing complementary haemodynamic and physiological stimuli that support vascular adaptations and cardiovascular health. Although polarized training has been extensively studied in athletic populations, its effects on vascular function in sedentary adults remain insufficiently understood. Thirty participants will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either a supervised polarized aerobic training group or a non-exercising control group. The intervention will consist of a 6-week supervised cycle ergometer training program performed three times per week and prescribed according to individual ventilatory thresholds obtained during cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Training sessions will combine low-to-moderate-intensity continuous exercise and high-intensity interval exercise. Participants allocated to the control group will maintain their habitual sedentary lifestyle throughout the study period. The primary outcome will be endothelial function assessed by brachial artery flow-mediated dilation. Secondary outcomes will include arterial stiffness assessed by pulse wave velocity, central haemodynamics, microvascular function, cardiorespiratory fitness, skeletal muscle function, pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, and circulating biomarkers related to vascular health. Outcome measures will be assessed at baseline and after completion of the 6-week intervention period. The findings of this study may improve understanding of vascular and systemic adaptations to polarized aerobic training and help inform future exercise-based strategies for cardiovascular risk reduction in apparently healthy sedentary adults.
Key facts
- Study ID
- NCT07665632
- Run by
- University of Ljubljana
- People needed
- 30
- Starts
- 2026-05-25
- Expected to finish
- 2027-12-20
- Last updated by the study team
- 2026-06-24
Who can join
Age: 30 and older, up to 50. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.
You may qualify if…
- Men and women aged 30-50 years
- Apparently healthy individuals without diagnosed cardiovascular, metabolic, or renal disease
- Sedentary lifestyle verified using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) and current physical activity classification criteria
- Ambulatory blood pressure values within the normotensive range (<140 mmHg systolic and <90 mmHg diastolic)
- Body mass index (BMI) <30 kg/m²
- No regular participation in structured exercise training
You may not qualify if…
- Ambulatory blood pressure values ≥140 mmHg systolic and/or ≥90 mmHg diastolic
- Moderate or high physical activity level according to the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ)
- Diagnosed chronic cardiovascular, metabolic, renal, respiratory, or other systemic disease
- Use of prescribed medication influencing cardiovascular or metabolic function
- Musculoskeletal injury of the lower extremities within the previous six months
- Menopause
- Absence of a regular menstrual cycle
- Pregnancy
- Current smoking or tobacco use
Where it is running
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of sport — Ljubljana, Slovenia (enrolling)
Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov
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