Combined aerobic cycling and brain-training using virtual reality to help prevent Alzheimer's
Official title: Concurrent Aerobic Exercise and Cognitive Training to Prevent Alzheimer's in at-risk Older Adults
Funded at Moai Technologies, LLC · NIH-11177954 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This program combines virtual-reality cycling with cognitive games for older adults at risk for Alzheimer's to help keep thinking skills sharp.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Moai Technologies, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Maple Grove, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $851,210 |
| NIH project number | 5R44AG082637-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11177954 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are older adults with risk factors for Alzheimer's or early memory concerns who can safely perform moderate aerobic exercise and use virtual-reality equipment.
✕Less likely to help
People with advanced Alzheimer's, severe mobility or balance problems that prevent cycling, or those who cannot tolerate virtual reality are unlikely to benefit from this program.
What this research studies
You would use a virtual-reality system that pairs aerobic cycling with interactive cognitive training games delivered at home or through local study support. The project builds on a prior small clinical trial that showed the combined 'exergame' approach is feasible and can improve thinking skills when supervised. The current effort focuses on making the approach practical and sustainable outside the lab by reducing travel and time barriers and delivering the program using technology. Study staff will provide training and monitoring so participants can complete sessions safely and consistently.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could help slow memory decline and preserve daily thinking and function in older adults at risk for Alzheimer's.
How similar studies have gone: Earlier pilot trials of supervised VR cognitive training plus aerobic cycling showed promising feasibility and improvements, but larger home-based testing is still needed.
Where this research is happening
-
Moai Technologies, LLC
Maple Grove, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Olofinboba, Olu — Moai Technologies, LLC
- Study coordinator: Olofinboba, Olu
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.