Exercise to improve cognitive function in older adults with high blood pressure
Improving Age-Related Cognitive Decline with Exercise in Hypertensive Older Adults: a Pilot Study to Investigate a Retinal Microvascular Biomarker and the Role of IGF
This study is testing if a short, intense exercise program can help older adults with high blood pressure think better and improve their brain health.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 55 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Alabama at Birmingham Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Birmingham, Alabama) |
| Trial ID | NCT05043454 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates how a brief high-intensity interval training (HIIT) exercise intervention can enhance cognitive function in older adults suffering from hypertension. The researchers aim to determine if increased cardiovascular fitness leads to improved vascular density and neurocognition, using innovative retinal density scans to measure outcomes. Participants will engage in structured exercise while their health metrics are closely monitored to assess the effectiveness of the intervention.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 55-75 with essential hypertension who engage in less than 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.
Not a fit: Patients with dementia, severe respiratory diseases, or other conditions that preclude exercise may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could lead to improved cognitive health and quality of life for older adults with hypertension.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown positive outcomes with exercise interventions in improving cognitive function, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * adults between 55-75 years of age * essential hypertension (as determined by referring physicians) * engages in less than 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise/week (as determined by CHAMPS Questionnaire) * physically able to exercise * access to an upright cycle ergometer at home or via gym access * access to smart device (iOS or Android phone or tablet with ability to install and use Polar Beat and Polar FlowTM applications). Exclusion Criteria: * diagnosis of dementia * resting systolic blood pressure \<120, or \>180 mm Hg * disease or condition that would preclude exercise * untreated depression or anxiety disorders * severe respiratory disease * disease of the eye * refractive error \> 6 diopters or +6 diopters (as assessed by 1st retinal scan).
Where this trial is running
Birmingham, Alabama
- University of Alabama at Birmingham — Birmingham, Alabama, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ronald Lazar, PhD — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Ronald Lazar, PhD
- Email: rlazar@uabmc.edu
- Phone: 205-934-2334
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.