High-intensity exercise program for older adults with HIV to improve vascular and cognitive health

A Pilot Trial of High-Intensity Exercise to Combat Vascular and Cognitive Dysfunction in Older Adults With HIV

Not applicable Interventional University of Alabama at Birmingham · NCT05965518

This study tests whether a 16-week high-intensity exercise program can help older adults with HIV improve their heart and brain health compared to a moderate exercise routine.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages50 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham Academic / other
Locations1 site (Birmingham, Alabama)
Trial IDNCT05965518 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effects of a 16-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program on vascular and cognitive function in adults aged 50 and older living with HIV who have suboptimal cognition. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the HIIT group or a continuous moderate exercise group, with the aim of determining which approach yields greater improvements in health outcomes. The study will also explore barriers to exercise engagement and participants' perceptions of the interventions through qualitative interviews. Data will be collected at baseline and after the intervention to assess changes in vascular function and cognitive performance.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 50 and older with HIV who are sedentary and experiencing cognitive impairments.

Not a fit: Patients with uncontrolled hypertension, severe cardiac disease, or other significant health issues may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved vascular and cognitive health for older adults living with HIV.

How similar studies have performed: While there is ongoing research in exercise interventions for HIV patients, this specific approach using HIIT in older adults is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 50 years and older
* Sedentary lifestyle, defined as \< 150 min/wk moderate physical activity as assessed by CHAMPS questionnaire
* Neurocognitive Impairment (as assessed using the BRACE+
* Prescribed HIV ART for ≥ 12 months, with no current use of older drugs with established mitochondrial toxicity
* Able to speak, read, and write in English
* Willingness to participate in all study procedures

Exclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of mitochondrial disease
* Active substance abuse or factors preventing compliance or safety
* Uncontrolled hypertension, defined as resting BP \> 150/90 mmHG
* Chronic kidney disease
* Severe cardiac disease, including NYHA Class III or IV congestive heart failure, clinically significant aortic stenosis, history of cardiac arrest, use of a cardiac defibrillator, or uncontrolled angina
* Acute myocardial infarction identified by medical history and ECG
* Pulmonary disease requiring the use of supplemental oxygen
* Poorly controlled diabetes
* Neuropsychologically Intact
* Orthopedic problems that limit ability to perform exercise
* Simultaneous participation in another intervention trial

Where this trial is running

Birmingham, Alabama

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions HIVArterial StiffnessCognitive Dysfunction
Last reviewed 2026-06-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.