RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

The ISAR InflEx Trial (Inflammation and Exercise)

The ISAR InflEx study wants to understand how different types of exercise can help reduce inflammation in the body. We know that not exercising enough and being overweight can lead to ongoing inflammation, which increases the risk of heart disease. This study will compare three different ways of exercising: moderate, vigorous, and short, intense bursts. Participants, who are healthy but overweight and don't do much structured exercise, will try each type of exercise. Researchers will take blood samples before, during, and after each exercise period to see how their immune system and inflammation markers change. The goal is to find out if exercise can be an effective way to fight inflammation and protect against heart disease.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Department of Cardiology German Heart Center Munich TUM University Hospital

Enrolment target

Start

01 Jan 2026

Estimated completion

01 Jun 2027

Inflammation Obesity (Disorder)

What is this study about?

Many people nowadays don't exercise enough, and combined with being overweight, this can lead to a state called 'chronic low-grade inflammation' in the body. Think of inflammation as your body's alarm system; usually, it helps you heal from injuries or fight off germs. But when it's constantly on a low alert, it can quietly damage your blood vessels over time, increasing your risk of serious health problems like heart disease.

This study, called ISAR InflEx, aims to explore how different kinds of exercise might help turn down this constant alarm. We want to see if getting active can reduce inflammation and make your immune system work better. The idea is that regular physical activity could be a powerful tool, not just for staying fit, but also for preventing the progression of inflammation into serious health issues.

The researchers will look closely at three different exercise methods: exercise that's not too hard (moderate), exercise that's quite challenging (vigorous), and very short bursts of maximum effort. By comparing these, they hope to understand which type of exercise is most effective at reducing inflammation in people who are overweight but otherwise healthy and not currently exercising much. This knowledge could help guide future advice on how exercise can best protect our hearts.

Key takeaways

Study explores how different exercises fight inflammation.
Aims to reduce heart disease risk in overweight, inactive adults.
Compares moderate, vigorous, and short maximal exercise.
Participants will try all three types of exercise.
Blood samples track changes in body's response.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be a healthy adult aged between 18 and 45. Your body mass index (BMI) should be between 25.0 and 30.0, which means you're considered overweight.

It's important that you don't already exercise regularly. This means you do structured exercise less than once a week. You also need to be willing to follow the study's exercise plan very carefully.

However, you can't join if you have any ongoing health problems, are pregnant or breastfeeding, smoke, or regularly take medication. The study needs participants who are generally healthy so that the effects of exercise can be clearly seen.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 45 years old?
Is your BMI roughly between 25 and 30 (overweight but not obese)?
Do you currently do structured exercise less than once a week?
Are you generally healthy, without any ongoing illnesses or regular medications?
Are you not pregnant or breastfeeding?
Do you not smoke?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you'll be one of 33 volunteers. You'll go through three different exercise periods, with breaks in between each. Each exercise period will last for two weeks.

You'll be assigned to a group, and each group will try the three different types of exercise (moderate, vigorous, and short, high-intensity bursts) in a different order. Before starting each two-week exercise period, during it (halfway through), and right after it finishes, you'll provide blood samples. These samples will help the researchers understand how your body is responding to the exercise. The total time you'd be involved in the study, including all the exercise periods and breaks, would be several months.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer some potential benefits, such as improving your fitness and potentially reducing inflammation, which could be good for your heart health. However, as with any physical activity, there's always a slight risk of minor muscle soreness or injury. The exercises will be managed to keep risks low. You also have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

German Heart Centre
Verified postcode
München, Germany· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'inflammation'?

Inflammation is your body's natural way of dealing with injury or infection. But long-term, low-level inflammation can be harmful, especially to your heart.

What does 'sedentary lifestyle' mean?

It means you spend a lot of time sitting and don't do much regular physical activity, like structured exercise.

What's the difference between moderate and vigorous exercise?

Moderate exercise means you can still talk but not sing. Vigorous exercise means you can only say a few words at a time because you're breathing hard.

Will I need to change my diet?

The study description doesn't mention specific diet changes, but it focuses on understanding the effects of exercise.

How often will I give blood samples?

You'll give blood samples before, midway through, and after each two-week exercise period.

How to find out more

Hendrik B Sager, MD

hendrik.sager@tum.de 00498912184025 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.