What is the African-American
WomEn’s Study of Moderate Exercise?

The African-American WomEn’s Study of Moderate Exercise, or AWESOME, is a clinical trial studying the impact of physical activity on blood pressure and cholesterol levels. The trial has been specifically designed for African-American women.

What are the requirements to
participate in the AWESOME study?

We are looking for sedentary African-American women that are 22 years of age or older and currently taking at least one but less than three blood pressure lowering medications. To assess eligibility, we will take your blood pressure over the course of three visits, perform an exercise stress test; and ask you questions about your daily activity to see if you qualify.

What will be required of me if I qualify for the study?

Participants will be randomly assigned to either a 12-week exercise program under the supervision of an aerobic instructor at the Tulane University Office of Health Research or to maintain their current level of physical activity. By "random", we mean that neither you nor any of the clinic staff can select your assignment. Using a procedure similar to flipping a coin, a computer program will determine which assignment (exercise program or maintenance of current physical activity levels) you will receive.

The exercise program will involve exercising on a stationary bicycle for approximately 30 minutes to one hour a day, Monday through Friday. Women who are not in the exercise program will be asked to maintain their regular healthcare and to return to the research center for follow-up visits after six weeks and again at 12 weeks. All participants will be asked to stay on their blood pressure lowering medication throughout the study.

What are the benefits of joining the AWESOME study?

If you qualify and you choose to participate in AWESOME you will receive:

• Study-related blood pressure checks at no cost
• Study-related cholesterol profiles at no cost
• Study-related blood sugar & insulin profiles at no cost
• PLUS the satisfaction of participating in an important project
that may benefit you and other African-American women.

Participants will be compensated.