Exercise program to improve vision and health in Veterans with AMD
The Active AMD Study to Improve Function in Veterans With Age Related Macular Degeneration
NA · VA Office of Research and Development · NCT05932069
This study is testing whether a stationary biking exercise program can help improve vision and overall health in Veterans with age-related macular degeneration.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 70 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years to 89 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VA Office of Research and Development (fed) |
| Locations | 1 site (Decatur, Georgia) |
| Trial ID | NCT05932069 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to evaluate the effects of a stationary bicycling exercise intervention on visual and overall health outcomes in Veterans diagnosed with intermediate Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). Participants will be compared to a control group engaging in non-aerobic exercises, with assessments conducted before, during, and after a 6-month intervention period. The study will measure visual acuity, cognitive function, and physical performance to determine the potential benefits of aerobic exercise in preserving vision and enhancing quality of life for older Veterans. The findings may pave the way for larger trials to further explore the impact of exercise on AMD progression.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are Veterans aged 65-89 with a diagnosis of intermediate stage AMD in at least one eye and who are cognitively intact.
Not a fit: Patients with significant cognitive impairments or other diseases affecting their ability to engage in aerobic exercise may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve visual function and overall health in Veterans suffering from AMD.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with exercise interventions in similar populations, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * The investigators will recruit Veterans with a diagnosis of intermediate stage AMD in at least one eye, aged 65-89, willing and able to cooperate with assessments and interventions. * Eligible participants will be quantified \> 26 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) to meet the criteria for cognitively intact. * Participants will be free from diseases affecting cognition or ability to engage in aerobic exercise (including but not limited to chronic heart, liver, or kidney disease) and from diseases/injuries directly affecting brain functions (including but not limited to significant closed head injury, open intracranial wounds, stroke, epilepsy, degenerative diseases of the nervous system). * Eligible participants will be required to have stable internet access in their home. * All subjects will speak English as a primary language and will have graduated high school so that behavioral/cognitive measures reflect effects of age, AMD, and/or aerobic exercise and not the effects of familiarity with English or lack of education. Exclusion Criteria: * Other, non-AMD, visual impairments. Potential participants with major psychiatric disorder (including but not limited to psychosis, major depression, bipolar disorder) by history will be excluded as well as individuals with current alcohol or substance use disorder. * Additionally, individuals with cardiovascular disease and or history of myocardial infarction will not be included.
Where this trial is running
Decatur, Georgia
- Atlanta VA Medical and Rehab Center, Decatur, GA — Decatur, Georgia, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Joe R. Nocera, PhD — Atlanta VA Medical and Rehab Center, Decatur, GA
- Study coordinator: Joe R Nocera, PhD
- Email: joenocera@emory.edu
- Phone: (404) 321-6111
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Age Related Macular Degeneration