NCT06055036 · Ohio State University
Black Impact: The Mechanisms Underlying Psychosocial Stress Reduction in a Cardiovascular Health Intervention
What this study is about
Lower attainment of cardiovascular health (CVH), indicated by the American Heart Association's Life's Simple 7 (LS7; physical activity, diet, cholesterol, blood pressure, body mass index, smoking, glycemia) and Life's Essential 8 (LE8; LS7+sleep) metrics, is a major contributor to Black men having the shortest life-expectancy of any non-indigenous race/sex group.
View original scientific description
Lower attainment of cardiovascular health (CVH), indicated by the American Heart Association's Life's Simple 7 (LS7; physical activity, diet, cholesterol, blood pressure, body mass index, smoking, glycemia) and Life's Essential 8 (LE8; LS7+sleep) metrics, is a major contributor to Black men having the shortest life-expectancy of any non-indigenous race/sex group. Unfortunately, a paucity of literature exists on interventions aimed at improving CVH among Black men. The team of clinician scientists and community partners co-developed a community-based lifestyle intervention titled Black Impact: a 24-week intervention for Black men with less-than-ideal CVH (\<4 LS7 metrics in the ideal range) with 45 minutes of weekly physical activity, 45 minutes of weekly health education, and engagement with a health coach, group fitness trainer, and community health worker. Single-arm pilot testing of the intervention (n=74) revealed high feasibility, acceptability, and retention and a 0.93 (95% confidence interval: 0.40, 1.46, p\<0.001) point increase in LS7 score at 24 weeks. Secondary outcomes included improvements in psychosocial stress (i.e., perceived stress, depressive symptoms), patient activation, and social needs. Thus, robustly powered clinical trials are needed to determine the efficacy of Black Impact and to evaluate the underlying interpersonal and molecular pathways by which Black Impact improves psychosocial stress and CVH. Thus, the investigators propose a randomized, wait-list controlled trial of Black Impact. This novel, community-based intervention to provide a scalable model to improve CVH and psychosocial stress at the population level and evaluate the biological underpinnings by which the intervention mitigates cardiovascular disease risk. The proposed study aligns with American Heart Association's commitment to addressing CVH equity through innovative, multi-modal solutions.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Black Impact Intervention
The Black Impact intervention is an academic-community-government partnership adapted from the Diabetes Prevention Program and American Heart Association Check, Change, Control programs based on stakeholder feedback and to afford incorporation of additional evidence-based strategies for influencing target outcomes. The intervention is a 24-week community-based lifestyle intervention to improve cardiovascular health among Black men. Each participant will be assigned to a group with \>5 participants based on participant proximity to a central community meeting location. Each team will be guided weekly by a health coach who delivers content and coaching around the lifestyle intervention modeled on the diabetes prevention program and check, change, control blood pressure program, a community health worker who helps to address social needs and connects participants to primary care services, and a trainer who leads physical activity. Teams meet for 90 minutes per week.
Primary outcome measures
Cardiovascular Health
Time frame: 24 weeks
The primary outcome for the randomized controlled trial is change in cardiovascular health at 24-week follow-up, which will be calculated using between-subject differences rather than within-subject differences, using a linear mixed-effects to evaluate changes from baseline in Life's Essential 8 score (range 0-100, higher scores are better). Study wave will be a covariate in the models. The model will contain data from baseline (0 weeks), during-intervention (12 weeks), and post-intervention (24-weeks). These models will assess differences between waitlist control and intervention participants using an interaction between time and treatment indicator. Residual plots will examine model assumptions and model fit, with transformation of the outcomes (e.g. log, square-root, Box-Cox) used as needed to satisfy modelling assumptions (e.g. normality, constant variance) and achieve appropriate model fit.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- The inclusion criteria are: 1) Black men (self-report); 2) adult age 18 years or older; 3) Life's Essential 8 total average score \< 80; 4) English speaking; and 5) lives in Metropolitan Columbus, Ohio.
Exclusion criteria
- healthcare provider-imposed limitations on physical activity.
Where
- Columbus, Ohio
Collaborators
American Heart Association
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Oct 6, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations