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Walking in Greenspace and Built Environments for Prediabetes

This study is looking at how walking in different outdoor environments affects adults with prediabetes. Researchers want to see if walking in nature-based areas (Greenspace) versus built-up commercial areas (Built-environment/Commercial Walking) has different effects on stress, anxiety, and mood. You would be asked to walk three to five times a week for 30-50 minutes, totaling 150 minutes per week, at a moderate intensity over two 6-week periods. To join, you need to be between 25 and 64 years old, be classified as overweight or obese, and have a prediabetes diagnosis based on specific blood sugar levels. The study aims to see if one type of environment improves psychological and physiological (body-related) stress more than the other. The current status of this study is unclear.

Study design
This is a randomized crossover trial, meaning participants will experience both types of walking interventions. The study plans to enroll 216 participants.
What's involved
You would walk three to five times per week for 30-50 minutes over two 6-week periods. You would also have assessments of anxiety, perceived stress, and mood before and after specific walks during weeks 4, 7, 15, and 18.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
The primary endpoints for anxiety, perceived stress, and mood are measured up to week 18 of the study.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT06365723

Effects of Walking in Greenspace and the Built Environment in Adults With Prediabetes: A Randomized Crossover Trial

Recruiting
NAAges 25–64InterventionalBasic science
University of Minnesota
~216 participants
Updated 2026-06-18 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Nature-based WalkingBuilt-environment/Commercial Walking

At a glance

Recruiting sites
3 of 3 listed sites are recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Measure of Anxiety
Measured over Before and after each of the four assessment walks, which occur in weeks 4, 7, 15, and 18 (weeks 3 and 6 of each 6-week walking intervention).
+3 more outcomes measured

Conditions

PreDiabetes
Heart Rate Variability (HRV)
Stress and Anxiety
Stress Biomarkers

Explore related trials

PrediabetesGlucoseHemoglobin A1C Measurement

Where it's being run

3 sites across 2 states
Illinois2
Minnesota1

Study leadership

  • Mark Pereira, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · University of Minnesota

Who to contact

Sarah Rydell, MPH
[email protected]
612-437-6126
Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

25-64 years old.
Classified as overweight or obese with BMI 20.0-39.9 kg/m2 per self-report and a BMI of 20.0- 41.9 kg/m2 upon actual measure.
Documentation\* of a PreD diagnosis within one year of enrollment by physician or primary care provider based on lab tests showing a fasted blood glucose of 100-125 mg/dL, a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test of 140-199 mg/dL, or an HbA1c level of 5.7%-6.49%271; OR a study screening lab value of HbA1C within the aforementioned range.
Currently engaged in ≤100 min/week of moderate to vigorous exercise -confirmed via a 7-day activity recall.
No exercise contraindications as assessed by the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) -this Questionnaire involves seven "yes" or "no" questions regarding an individual's health status. Answering "yes" to any one of these questions may require a prospective participant to acquire a written doctor's note stating they can safely participate in the trial's exercise intervention. The participant would not be enrolled until this doctor's note is received.
Stable weight over the last 3 months (less than 10% change).
Not currently pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or currently breastfeeding.
Willing to maintain current dietary and exercise habits, aside from any changes to be made per the study exercise protocol.
Must own a smartphone and be willing and able to download the Garmin Connect app
Ability to speak and understand English.
Any level of income
Any race/ethnicity

Exclusion

Individuals \<25 or \>64: younger individuals may have not yet reached physiological maturity and in whom PreD prevalence is low; older individuals are more likely to have contraindications to PA and other comorbidities.
BMI \<20 or ≥42.
Individuals with an HbA1c level \<5.7% or \>6.4%.
Currently engaged in \>100 min/wk of PA.
Individuals with contraindications to exercise participation as indicated by the PAR-Q.
A self-reported physical/mental disability that would prevent them from being able to adhere to the intervention.
Past or current diagnosis of Diabetes (Type 1, 1.5 or 2) or use of diabetic medications (e.g. medications to control blood sugar)
Any history of a cardiovascular disease event (e.g. heart attack, ablation, pacemaker, stroke)
Current treatment for cancer or heart disease (lipid and hypertensive medications acceptable but will be tracked closely).
Any change within the last 3 months, or anticipated changes, of any medications that would affect study outcomes (e.g. medications for lipids, blood pressure, anxiety, depression)
The use of any medication that significantly interferes with the autonomic nervous system
Current tobacco or nicotine users, or those who have quit within the last six months
Excessive alcohol (on average\>1 drinks/day for women and \>2 drinks/day for men) or excessive recreational drug use (reported usage of once a week or more).
Unstable weight over the last three months (\>10% change).
Those with major surgery planned or recent history of bariatric surgery (within last 2 years) or a history of other medical interventions that would interfere with study outcomes
Currently within one-year postpartum, currently pregnant, or planning to become pregnant during the study period.
Currently breastfeeding.
Unwilling to comply with study randomization procedures.
Unwilling to maintain current dietary and exercise habits, aside from any changes to be made per the study exercise protocol.
Current participation in another interventional clinical trial.
Previous randomization in this study.

What this trial measures

  • Measure of AnxietyBefore and after each of the four assessment walks, which occur in weeks 4, 7, 15, and 18 (weeks 3 and 6 of each 6-week walking intervention).

    An Ecological Momentary Assessment of anxiety (rating level on a 0-10 point Likert scale) will be assessed pre/post each assessment walk.

  • Perceived stress assessmentBefore and after each of the four assessment walks, which occur in weeks 4, 7, 15, and 18 (weeks 3 and 6 of each 6-week walking intervention).

    Perceived stress will be measured using an Ecological Momentary Assessment of stress (rating level on a 0-10 point Likert scale) will be assessed pre/post each assessment walk.

  • Mood assessmentBefore and after each of the four assessment walks, which occur in weeks 4, 7, 15, and 18 (weeks 3 and 6 of each 6-week walking intervention).

    Mood will be evaluated using an Ecological Momentary Assessment of mood (i.e.. sadness, happiness, relaxation, mental energy, and physical energy) will be assessed pre/post each assessment walk (rating level on a 0-10 point Likert scale).

  • RestorativenessAssessment given after each of the four assessment walks, which occur in weeks 4, 7, 15, and 18 (weeks 3 and 6 of each 6-week walking intervention).

    Assessing the restorativeness of the walked environment (using the perceived restorativeness scale) after each of the four assessment walks.