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The Comparison of Energy in Take and Body Weight EXERCISE

Examination of Mechanisms (E-MECHANIC) of Exercise-induced Weight Compensation

Status
Completed
Phases
Unknown
Study type
Observational
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT01264406
Acronym
E-MECHANIC
Enrollment
198
Registered
2010-12-21
Start date
2010-12-31
Completion date
2015-12-31
Last updated
2025-01-07

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Body Weight, Energy, Exercise

Brief summary

This study will compare the effect of two doses of exercise on energy intake and body weight. The comparison will be between three groups; two exercise groups and a control group. The exercise groups will not be provided with a dietary intervention and the study design also includes a non-exercise control group. E-Mechanic trial can make important contributions to understanding of the role of exercise dose in weight management. While it is accepted that regular exercise plays an important role in general health, the exact role of exercise in prevention of weight gain, weight loss and prevention of weight regain remains poorly understood despite exercise being widely prescribed for these purposes. The idea that current weight management exercise recommendations may produce increased energy intake (or other forms on compensation) resulting in disappointing weight loss is an important public health issue. The finding of this study could help shape future exercise and weight loss recommendations and treatment plans.

Detailed description

The purpose of the E-MECHANIC Trial is to test the effect of two doses of exercise on energy intake, body weight, body composition, activity levels, and metabolic rate. The exercise doses will reflect current recommendations for: 1) general health (8 KKW), and 2) weight loss (20 KKW). A non-exercise control group will also be recruited. The primary outcome variables are: 1) energy intake, and 2) the discrepancy between expected weight loss and observed weight loss. Energy intake will be measured using doubly labeled water and laboratory-based food intake tests. Secondary outcome variables include resting metabolic rate, activity levels (excluding structured exercise), and body composition. Following a comprehensive baseline assessment, participants will be randomly assigned to the 8 KKW, 20 KKW, or control group in a 1:1:1 ratio. Additional assessments will be conducted at week 4, with another comprehensive assessment at week 24. The week 4 assessment is important to determine if endpoints change in the short-term, but not long-term.

Interventions

None listed

Sponsors

Pennington Biomedical Research Center
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Observational model
CASE_CONTROL
Time perspective
OTHER

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 65 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes

Inclusion criteria

* Male or female 18 - 65 years old, inclusive * Not exercising \> 20 minutes on \> 3 days/wk and taking \< 8000 steps/d over one week measured with step counters. * BMI \> 25 kg/m2 and \< 40 kg/m2

Exclusion criteria

* • Current consumption of more than 14 alcoholic drinks per week * Plan to move out of the study area within the next 6 months or plan to be out of the study area for more than 4 weeks in the next 6 months * Have another member of household participating in the study * Residence too far from Pennington * A past history and/or physical examination or laboratory findings of the following medical conditions: Table 1.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
A Comparison of the Effects of Energy Balance With Three Groups. [Energy Intake, Adjusted DLW]6 months after screeningA comparison of three groups for the effects of energy balance: 1. Healthy Living, 2. Recommended dose exercise, and 3. High dose exercise. Random assignment is determined by chance. Healthy Living Group: Information tips on a variety of topics, including stress management, the benefits of eating fruits and vegetables, and other health related matters. This information is sent directly to your cell phone or email address throughout the study. Encouragements are sent to attend monthly seminars on various health topics at Pennington. Maintain a baseline level of exercise throughout the study. Recommended Dose Exercise: 3 t0 4 low-intensity sessions per week, each lasting about 30 minutes, at Pennington Fitness and Wellness Center. All exercise will be done on a treadmill. High Dose Exercise: 4 to 5 high-intensity session s per week, each lasting about 50-70 minutes, at Pennington Fitness and wellness center. All exercise will be done on the treadmill.

Countries

United States

Participant flow

Participants by arm

ArmCount
Exercise Group (20 KKW)
Exercise group will obtain 20 KKW, perform in 4-5 sessions per week for approximately 50-70 minutes per session.
51
Exercise Group (8 KKW)
One exercise group will obtain 8KKW (kcal/kg/week) over 3-4 sessions per wee, which will result in each session lasting approximately 30 minutes
59
Control Group
This group will be instructed to maintain their baseline level of exercise.
61
Total171

Baseline characteristics

CharacteristicExercise Group (20 KKW)Exercise Group (8 KKW)Control GroupTotal
Age, Continuous48.7 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 12.4
48.3 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 11.2
49.5 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 10.8
48.9 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 11.4
Race (NIH/OMB)
American Indian or Alaska Native
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Asian
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Black or African American
12 Participants20 Participants21 Participants53 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
More than one race
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
2 Participants0 Participants2 Participants4 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
White
37 Participants39 Participants38 Participants114 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
36 Participants43 Participants45 Participants124 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
15 Participants16 Participants16 Participants47 Participants

Adverse events

Event typeEG000
affected / at risk
EG001
affected / at risk
EG002
affected / at risk
deaths
Total, all-cause mortality
0 / 670 / 660 / 65
other
Total, other adverse events
11 / 6714 / 665 / 65
serious
Total, serious adverse events
3 / 673 / 660 / 65

Outcome results

Primary

A Comparison of the Effects of Energy Balance With Three Groups. [Energy Intake, Adjusted DLW]

A comparison of three groups for the effects of energy balance: 1. Healthy Living, 2. Recommended dose exercise, and 3. High dose exercise. Random assignment is determined by chance. Healthy Living Group: Information tips on a variety of topics, including stress management, the benefits of eating fruits and vegetables, and other health related matters. This information is sent directly to your cell phone or email address throughout the study. Encouragements are sent to attend monthly seminars on various health topics at Pennington. Maintain a baseline level of exercise throughout the study. Recommended Dose Exercise: 3 t0 4 low-intensity sessions per week, each lasting about 30 minutes, at Pennington Fitness and Wellness Center. All exercise will be done on a treadmill. High Dose Exercise: 4 to 5 high-intensity session s per week, each lasting about 50-70 minutes, at Pennington Fitness and wellness center. All exercise will be done on the treadmill.

Time frame: 6 months after screening

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)
Exercise Group (20 KKW)A Comparison of the Effects of Energy Balance With Three Groups. [Energy Intake, Adjusted DLW]123.6 kcal/day
Exercise Group (8 KKW)A Comparison of the Effects of Energy Balance With Three Groups. [Energy Intake, Adjusted DLW]90.7 kcal/day
Control GroupA Comparison of the Effects of Energy Balance With Three Groups. [Energy Intake, Adjusted DLW]-2.3 kcal/day

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Mar 20, 2026