๐Ÿ›๏ธ Verified NIH Record โ€ข Updated 2026-08-17

Understanding the Effects of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension on Lean Muscle Mass (NCT07132788)

๐ŸŸข Recruiting Interventional Protocol ๐Ÿ“Š Observational Clinical Research Sponsor: University of Pennsylvania

๐Ÿฉบ Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)

Patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) are at increased risk of muscle loss and decreased physical activity. This study will aim to (1) understand the way in which muscle loss occurs in PAH, particularly the role of fat surrounding the heart, and (2) look at the impact muscle loss has on quality of life, daily physical activity, and hospitalizations in patients with PAH. The findings from this study could help identify potentially treatable factors that may improve the overall quality of life and physical functioning of patients with PAH. Subjects will be asked to attend a baseline visit where the following will be performed: * Measure your vital signs * Undergo a research blood draw, less than 4 tablespoons * Provide a urine pregnancy test (if applicable) * Review demographics, personal history, and medical history * Review current PAH medications * Complete questionnaires on how your PAH affects you * Complete a test of physical performance * Complete a grip strength test * Undergo an echocardiogram (Echo) * Complete a six-minute walk test * Undergo a Chest CT Scan * Undergo a scan of your body composition (DXA scan) * Obtain a weight and body composition measurement on the InBody Scale Subjects will also complete activity moniotring, two 24-hour diet recalls, and participate in remote follow-up visits every 6 months

Who can join: Review the eligibility criteria below.

Location: University of Pennsylvania Hospital โ€” Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Age range: 18 Years

๐Ÿงช Interventions in This Study

  • blood draw (DIAGNOSTIC_TEST)
  • Short Performance Physical Battery (DIAGNOSTIC_TEST)
  • Grip strength test (DIAGNOSTIC_TEST)
  • Six minute walk test (DIAGNOSTIC_TEST)
  • Chest CT scan (RADIATION)
  • Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry Scan (RADIATION)
  • Activity monitoring (BEHAVIORAL)
  • 24 hour diet recall (BEHAVIORAL)
  • Echocardiogram (DIAGNOSTIC_TEST)
  • Quality of Life Questionnaire (emPHasis 10) (BEHAVIORAL)
  • International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF) (BEHAVIORAL)
  • Low resistance exercise intervention (BEHAVIORAL)

๐Ÿ“‹ "Do I Qualify?" โ€” 1-Minute Self Screener

Instant Checklist

Full eligibility criteria are available on the official NIH protocol. View the criteria โ†—

๐Ÿ“ All Participating Trial Locations (2 Sites)

  • University of Pennsylvania Hospital โ€” Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island Hospital โ€” Providence, Rhode Island

๐Ÿ“ž Contact the Study Coordinator

Phone: (215) 294-9755

Email: Rebecca.lang@Pennmedicine.upenn.edu

Coordinator details come directly from the registered NIH protocol. Confirm the study is still recruiting before traveling.

๐Ÿ’ฐ Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights

  • 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
  • Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA ยง 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
  • Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.

๐Ÿ’ก How to Participate

  1. Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
  2. Contact the study coordinator using the phone/email above.
  3. Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
  4. Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.
๐Ÿ›๏ธ View Official NIH Record โ†—