Improving vision and daily function in Veterans with Age Related Macular Degeneration through exercise.
Official title: The Active AMD Study to Improve Function in Veterans with Age Related Macular Degeneration
Funded at Veterans Health Administration · NIH-10982463 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether a 6-month online spin cycling program can help Veterans over 50 with Age Related Macular Degeneration by improving their vision, thinking skills, and overall health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Health Administration NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Decatur, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | November 1, 2023 |
| Project end | October 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01RX004563-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10982463 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Veterans aged 50 and older who have been diagnosed with Age Related Macular Degeneration.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not Veterans or those without a diagnosis of Age Related Macular Degeneration may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how a structured exercise program, specifically stationary bicycling, can help Veterans aged 50 and older who are experiencing Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). The study aims to implement a 6-month online group spin cycling program to assess its effects on visual acuity, cognitive function, and overall physical health. By comparing the outcomes of participants engaging in aerobic exercise to those in a control group, the research seeks to determine if exercise can preserve vision and improve daily living activities for Veterans affected by AMD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance the quality of life for Veterans with AMD by improving their vision and daily functioning.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with exercise interventions in preserving vision and improving health outcomes in similar populations, indicating that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Veterans Health Administration
Decatur, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nocera, Joe Robert — Veterans Health Administration
- Study coordinator: Nocera, Joe Robert
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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AI-powered tool to predict 2-year risk of late AMD
A new AI software helps people at risk of age-related macular degeneration understand their 2-year risk and what steps could protect their vision.
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Active cycling program to support vision and daily living in Veterans with AMD
A 6-month online group spin cycling program is tested to help Veterans with age-related macular degeneration maintain vision and improve daily functioning.
-
Transplanting stem-cell–derived retinal cells to treat dry AMD
A medical team is testing a stem cell therapy to replace damaged retinal cells in adults with dry age-related macular degeneration.
-
RPESC-derived RPE Transplant for Dry AMD in adults
A new cell-based therapy derived from RPESCs is being tested to help adults with dry age-related macular degeneration regain vision.
-
New high-resolution OCT biomarkers to map early AMD changes
A new imaging approach using advanced OCT methods will help doctors see early changes in age-related macular degeneration to guide treatment and improve quality of life for older adults.
-
Targeting inflammation in age-related macular degeneration
Aims to understand how inflammation drives age-related macular degeneration in people and explore new targets to slow or stop vision loss.
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.