Community-based aerobic exercise for adults with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury
Official title: Community-based Aerobic Exercise in individuals with moderate and severe Traumatic Brain Injury (CAREx_TBI)
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-11448198 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A year-long aerobic exercise program is being tested to see if it can improve thinking, mood, and quality of life for adults aged 45–80 who have had moderate to severe traumatic brain injury.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,137,714 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG092816-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11448198 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 45–80 with a history of moderate to severe TBI, at least 1 year post-injury, able to participate in supervised exercise.
✕Less likely to help
Some individuals may not experience cognitive benefits or may have limited tolerance to exercise.
What this research studies
This study will enroll 80 adults who are at least one year post-injury and assign them to either a tailored aerobic exercise program or a low-intensity stretching control for 12 months. The goal is to see whether regular aerobic exercise improves self-reported cognitive function and biomarkers related to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The trial uses rigorous methods to measure changes in cognition, vascular health, and ADRD markers while ensuring safety and adherence. Participants will work with trained staff to adapt the exercise plan to their fitness level and monitor progress over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience better cognitive function and quality of life, along with favorable biomarker changes.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary evidence suggests aerobic exercise can improve cognitive symptoms and vascular health, but a well-powered RCT is needed for confirmation.
Where this research is happening
-
Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ding, Kan — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Ding, Kan
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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.