Changes in male and female fertility using wearable fitness technology

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Using wearable fitness tracking technology to improve reproductive outcomes in men and women with weight-related infertility

• IRAS ID

  212472

• Contact name

  Channa Jayasena

• Contact email

  c.jayasena@imperial.ac.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  Joint Research Compliance Office

• Duration of Study in the UK

  5 years, 0 months, 0 days

• Research summary

  Infertility is a devastating condition which affects 1 in 7 couples in the UK. One third of cases are caused by male factor infertility (low sperm concentration) and a quarter are caused by ovulatory disorders in the female.
  Alterations in body weight is associated with infertility in both men and women. There is evidence that weight alteration through diet and exercise can improve fertility outcomes in both men and women. The increasing numbers of couples with fertility is a huge burden on the NHS and patients (as fertility treatment is often self-funded). It is therefore of major importance that the mechanisms of weight-related infertility are understood and effective programmes are developed to improve outcomes in this group of patients

  In order to study the effect of weight alteration on reproductive function, patients will be identified from clinics within Imperial College Healthcare Trust with weight-related infertility, and will be given information about the study.

  Patients interested in participating will be randomised to one of two arms of the study. Group A will receive an in-depth discussion including lifestyle advice, such as calorie restriction. Group B will receive an in-depth discussion including lifestyle advice, such as calorie restriction, plus training on how to use a wearable fitness tracking device.

  All participants will be asked to attend study visits at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust (up to 6 over a period not exceeding 12 months). During visits, participants will be reviewed by a member of the study team and advice will be given to support weight alteration. All participants will have weight, waist circumference and BMI measured. Male participants will be investigated with semen analysis and blood tests for reproductive hormones. Female participants will have blood collected for reproductive hormones and will be offered ultrasound scans for follicle tracking and mid-luteal phase progesterone tests to assess ovulation.

• REC name

  London - Queen Square Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  16/LO/1870

• Date of REC Opinion

  3 Nov 2016

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion