Improving aerobic fitness and everyday function in older adults
Optimizing Aerobic Fitness and Functional Response to Exercise in Older Adults.
This project compares higher-intensity interval aerobic exercise with standard moderate aerobic plus resistance training to help older adults regain fitness, muscle, and independence after hospital stays.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Vermont & St Agric College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Burlington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11132811 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would take part in supervised exercise programs that mix aerobic workouts and strength training tailored for older adults. The team will compare moderate continuous aerobic training plus resistance work against higher-intensity interval aerobic sessions to see which helps more. They will measure breathing-based fitness (VO2peak), muscle size and strength, and everyday function like walking and daily tasks. Some testing and exercise sessions will likely happen in person at the research center.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults—particularly those who have had cardiovascular events or recent hospital stays—who want to improve fitness and functional ability and can safely exercise under supervision.
Not a fit: People who are not medically cleared to exercise, have unstable cardiovascular conditions, or very severe mobility limitations may not be eligible or may not benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help older adults recover aerobic fitness, rebuild muscle, and improve ability to perform daily activities after illness or hospitalization.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research shows high-intensity interval training can boost peak aerobic capacity more than standard programs, but reliably restoring muscle size and strength in older adults remains a challenge, so combining approaches is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Burlington, United States
- University of Vermont & St Agric College — Burlington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Khadanga, Sherrie — University of Vermont & St Agric College
- Study coordinator: Khadanga, Sherrie
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 below.