High-intensity exercise to improve cognitive function in older adults with HIV
Official title: Examining the Effect of High-Intensity Exercise to Attenuate Cognitive Function Limitations and Train Exercise Habits in Older People Living with HIV (HEALTH-Cog)
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11081685 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can help older adults with HIV boost their thinking skills and stick to a regular exercise routine, by comparing it to moderate exercise over four months and using text messages to keep everyone motivated.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $650,819 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG077997-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11081685 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 50 and above who are living with HIV and are at risk for cognitive decline.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not living with HIV or those who are unable to participate in physical exercise may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can help older adults living with HIV improve their cognitive function and establish regular exercise habits. The study will involve participants engaging in either HIIT or continuous moderate exercise over four months, with the goal of assessing improvements in physical function and cognitive health. Additionally, a text-messaging intervention will be used to encourage adherence to physical activity. By focusing on this specific population, the research aims to address the unique challenges faced by older individuals living with HIV.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved cognitive health and better quality of life for older adults living with HIV.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that high-intensity exercise can lead to significant improvements in physical and cognitive outcomes, suggesting a promising approach for this population.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wheeler, Pariya Fazeli — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Wheeler, Pariya Fazeli
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
High-Intensity Exercise to Protect Cognition and Build Exercise Habits in Older Adults Living with HIV
A funded program tests whether 4 months of HIIT can help older people with HIV improve cognitive function and stick with regular exercise better than standard moderate exercise.
-
Adapting a mobile health tool to boost HIV outcomes for older adults with HIV in Ukraine
A mobile health platform called PositiveLinks would be adapted for older adults with HIV in Ukraine to help them stay engaged in care and improve treatment success.
-
How specific anti-NMDAR1 antibodies in the blood may affect memory and brain protection
This research is exploring whether natural or abnormal anti-NMDAR1 antibodies in the blood influence memory, behavior, and brain protection in humans.
-
Adapting mHealth to help older people with HIV stay in care in Ukraine
A patient-friendly plan to adapt a smartphone-based support tool to help older adults living with HIV in Ukraine stay adherent to treatment and connected to care.
-
Mexican Teachers Cohort Study: Genetics and Cognitive Function
A large study using genetic data from Mexican teachers to discover genetic factors linked to memory and thinking in older adults.
-
Genetics and Cognitive Function in Mexican Teachers Cohort for Alzheimer’s Dementia
This grant funds a large study to find genetic factors linked to memory and thinking in Mexican teachers, with the goal of improving understanding of Alzheimer’s-related dementia.
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.