Cardiovascular Health and Swimmers vs. Non-Swimmers. (Test)
PiFullAccess001
Primary Investigator
Brief description of study
- Study Type: Observational
- Observational Model: Cohort
- Time Perspective: Prospective
- Estimated Enrollment: 200 participants
- Study Start Date: August 1, 2025
- Estimated Primary Completion Date: August 1, 2026
- Estimated Study Completion Date: September 30, 2026.
Detailed description of study
Brief Summary:
The cardiovascular health differences between adult swimmers and non-swimmers are examined throughout this observational prospective study. It seeks to investigate whether swimming regularly has been linked to a healthier cardiovascular system, which includes reduced blood pressure, improved cholesterol, and increased aerobic capacity. The outcomes of this study might impact public health policy with regard to swimming's recommendation as a cardiovascular exercise.
Detailed Description:
Numerous individuals acknowledge that swimming is a full-body, low-impact exercise that is good for their cardiovascular systems and musculoskeletal systems. Swimming offers significant aerobic and resistance training upsides while decreasing joint stress compared to many land-based workouts. It has been proven that swimming, along with other forms of regular exercise, lowers the risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease, and high blood pressure.
The cardiovascular health outcomes of two groups—swimmers and non-swimmers—will be compared in this 15-month prospective observational cohort study. Numerous health metrics, including resting blood pressure, VO₂ max, lipid profile, BMI, and incidence of metabolic syndrome, will be monitored during the study. Self-reported surveys, clinical evaluations, medical records, and wearable fitness equipment will all be used to gather data. To determine the long-term effects of swimming on heart health, both absolute values and longitudinal trends will be examined.
Official Title:
Comparative Cardiovascular Health Outcomes in Adult Swimmers vs Non-Swimmers: An Observational Study
Conditions:
Cardiovascular Health, Hypertension, Exercise Physiology, Sedentary Lifestyle
Intervention / Treatment:
No intervention. Observational only. Participants will continue their usual routines.
Study Plan:
This 15-month prospective observational study will follow two cohorts—swimmers and non-swimmers—to compare key cardiovascular health indicators. Each participant will undergo evaluations every 2 months. Clinical assessments will be conducted at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Wearable fitness devices will continuously monitor certain parameters. Participants will maintain their usual activity patterns throughout the study.
What Participants Will Do
1. Attend the clinic visits every 2 months.
2. Wear a fitness tracker continuously throughout the study.
3. Complete short monthly questionnaires on lifestyle and health.
4. Undergo blood tests and VOâ‚‚ max testing at designated time points
Measurements and Collection Methods:
Metric | Collection Method | Frequency | Where/How |
Resting Blood Pressure | Measured by clinician | Every 2 months | Clinic visit with automated BP cuff |
Lipid Profile | Fasting blood test | Baseline, 12 months | Clinic (venous blood sample) |
VOâ‚‚ Max | Graded exercise test | Baseline, 12 months | Treadmill/cycle ergometer in clinic |
Resting Heart Rate | Wearable device | Continuous, weekly avg | Synced from fitness tracker |
BMI | Weight and height | Every 2 months | Clinic (weight at each visit, height at baseline) |
Waist Circumference | Tape measurement | Every 2 months | Measured by staff at iliac crest |
Metabolic Syndrome | Derived from clinical data | Baseline, 12 months | Assessed by study team |
Clinic Visit Schedule:
- Visit 1 (Baseline): Consent, health history, physical exam, blood tests, VOâ‚‚ max, wearable issued
- Visit 2 (Month 2): BP, BMI, waist circumference, wearable data review
- Visit 3 (Month 4): BP, BMI, waist circumference, wearable data review
- Visit 4 (Month 6): BP, BMI, waist circumference
- Visit 5 (Month 8): BP, BMI, waist circumference, wearable data review
- Visit 6 (Month 10): BP, BMI, waist circumference, wearable data review
- Visit 7 (Month 12): BP, lipid profile, VOâ‚‚ max, metabolic syndrome assessment
- Visit 8 (Month 15): Final review, wearable return
Wearable Use:
Participants will be provided with a wearable device to monitor resting heart rate continuously. Data will be reviewed at clinic visits and analysed to track cardiovascular trends over time. Participants will be instructed to sync their devices weekly.
analysed
Monthly Questionnaires:
Participants will complete brief online surveys (~5 minutes) each month, covering medication changes, physical activity levels, sleep patterns, and any health or lifestyle changes.
Data Handling and Ethics:
All collected data will be de-identified and securely stored. Participants may withdraw at any time. Informed consent will be obtained during the baseline visit.
Eligibility of study
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria:
- Conditions: Cardiovascular Health,Hypertension,Exercise Physiology,Sedentary Lifestyle,Hypertension
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Age: 20 years - 69 years
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Gender: Female
- Adults between the ages of 20 and 65
- BMI between 18.5 and 35 kg/m²
- Swimmers:
- Swim at least 3 times per week.
- Each swim session lasts a minimum of 30 minutes
- Swimming must be continuous or aerobic in nature (e.g., laps or interval sets)
- Non-swimmers:
- Swim no more than once per month
- Total swimming time not exceeding 30 minutes per month
- Mild or controlled hypertension is acceptable
- ​​Systolic BP ≤ 140 mmHg
- Diastolic BP ≤ 90 mmHg
- May be on stable antihypertensive medication for at least 3 months
- Known cardiovascular conditions (such as MI or stroke) and uncontrolled hypertension (SBP > 160 or DBP > 100) are excluded.
- Diabetes mellitus
- Chronic renal and pulmonary conditions
- Women who are expecting
- Participating in both vigorous non-aquatic exercise/gym-based or ground-based exercise and swimming
Interested in the study?
This study is accepting only persons who receive care at a certain clinic or doctor or who are part of an invited group. Questions about this study can be directed to the study team listed in the description or contact your doctor to see if you are eligible.
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