NCT05316571 · University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Sitting Interruption and Whole-body Cardiovascular Health
(SWITCH)
What this study is about
There is strong evidence for the association between sedentary behaviors and cardiovascular diseases such as coronary heart disease and stroke. However, the public currently has no clear guidance on how to limit or interrupt their sedentary behaviors. This study will identify and test the physiological effects of several sedentary behavior interruption strategies and explore the feasibility (i.e.
View original scientific description
There is strong evidence for the association between sedentary behaviors and cardiovascular diseases such as coronary heart disease and stroke. However, the public currently has no clear guidance on how to limit or interrupt their sedentary behaviors. This study will identify and test the physiological effects of several sedentary behavior interruption strategies and explore the feasibility (i.e., likelihood of an individual performing the requested activities) of those strategies to inform the development of public policy surrounding sedentary behavior interruption. Long-term, the findings of this study will inform a large clinical trial that can test whether sedentary behavior reduction can decrease cardiovascular disease risk.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
One 5-Minute Walking Bout Each Hour
One 5-minute light intensity walking break per hour throughout the 4-hour SB condition
BEHAVIORAL
One 15-Minute Standing Bout Each Hour
One 15-minute standing break per hour throughout the 4-hour SB condition
BEHAVIORAL
One 5-Minute Walking Bout and One 15-Minute Standing Bout Each Hour
Two breaks per hour throughout the 4-hour SB condition, alternating between a 5-minute light intensity walking break and a 15-minute standing break
BEHAVIORAL
Uninterrupted Sitting
No breaks will be provided throughout the 4-hour SB condition. This will be used as the control condition
Primary outcome measures
Mean Change in Carotid-femoral Pulse Wave Velocity (cfPWV)
Time frame: Measurements will be taken immediately before and after each 4-hour SB condition
cfPWV (m/sec) will be measured between the carotid and femoral arteries, using a collar around the neck and a cuff around the thigh, with the participant in a supine position. cfPWV is calculated by dividing path length by pulse transit time and reported as the mean of three measurements
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
- Aged between 30-60 years
- Insufficiently active: self-reported exercise \<90 minutes per week for the past 3 months
- Sedentary: self-reported sitting \>8 hours per day
- Self-reported ability to walk 4 blocks and climb 2 flights of stairs
- Possession of cellular phone able to receive text messages
Exclusion criteria
- Use of assisted-walking devices
- Comorbid condition that would limit the ability to reduce sedentary behavior (e.g., musculoskeletal condition, current chemotherapy)
- Plans for major surgery within next 3 months
- Recent history (\<1 year) of ischemic heart disease, chronic heart failure, stroke, or chronic kidney disease
- Recent (\< 1 year) or planned bariatric surgery
- Systolic blood pressure ≥160 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥100 mmHg
- Current or recent (within last 6 months) pregnancy; current or recent (within last 3 months) breastfeeding
- Morbidly obesity (BMI \>40 kg/m\^2) or underweight (BMI \<18.5 kg/m\^2)
- Use of anti-hypertensive drugs
- Use of glucose-controlling medication
- Heavy alcohol consumption (\>15 drinks per week)
Where
- Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Collaborators
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
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 Mar 16, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations