High-intensity interval training breaks to improve brain health in older adults
Breaking Prolonged Sitting with High-intensity Interval Training to Improve Cognitive and Brain Health in Older Adults: a Pilot Feasibility Trial.
This study is testing if taking breaks for high-intensity exercise can improve brain health in older adults who are otherwise healthy compared to lighter exercise breaks.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 54 (estimated) |
| Ages | 40 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Urbana, Illinois) |
| Trial ID | NCT06243016 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This trial investigates the effects of interrupting prolonged sitting with high-intensity interval training (HIIT) versus light-intensity interval training (LIIT) on brain health in cognitively normal older adults aged 40-75. Participants will engage in two conditions lasting 3.5 hours each, with brain function assessed through electroencephalography and cognitive performance evaluated using specific tasks. The study aims to determine if HIIT breaks can enhance cognitive functions and brain connectivity compared to LIIT. A randomized crossover design will be employed to ensure robust results.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are sedentary adults aged 40-75 who are physically inactive and capable of vigorous exercise.
Not a fit: Patients with significant cardiovascular disease or those unable to perform vigorous exercise may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved cognitive functions and brain health in older adults, potentially reducing the risk of cognitive decline.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of using HIIT breaks during prolonged sitting is novel, similar studies have shown positive effects of physical activity on cognitive health.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age 40-75 years 2. BMI \<40 kg/m2 3. Sedentary (≥ 6 h/day sitting by a survey question) 4. Physically inactive adults based on the CSEP-PATH: Physical Activity and Sedentayr Behaviour Questionnaire (PASB-Q) Adult (low or medium physical activity range equivalent to less than 300 min of moderate intensity physical activity per week) 5. Capable of exercising vigorously based on the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PARQ+) 6. Has a medical clearance for maximal exercise and HIIT from a physician 7. Normotensive or participant's blood pressure is controlled 8. Intelligence quotient (IQ) ≥85 9. Fasting plasma glucose \<126 mg/dL 10. Good or corrected vision and hearing 11. Right-handed 12. No significant abnormalities on the ECG during the maximal exercise test 13. No signs and symptoms that suggest an underlying cardiovascular disease as recorded during the maximal exercise test by a study physician. 14. No indications to prematurely stop the maximal exercise test as outlined by the ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription 15. Concussion if more than 12 months before the study screening. 16. History of cancer but in full remission for at least 12 months and no history of chemotherapy, signed off by the physician or an oncologist Exclusion Criteria: 1. Physical disability or musculoskeletal disease prohibitive to vigorous exercise 2. Learning disabilities 3. Cognitive impairment (MoCA \<26) 4. Type 1 or 2 diabetes 5. Neurological condition (e.g., Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson, Dementia, Mild Cognitive Impairment) 6. Color blindness 7. Brain injury (e.g., traumatic brain injury, stroke, concussion) 8. Migraine headaches 9. Presence of other health conditions that may be exacerbated by exercise 10. History of heart disease 11. High cholesterol not controlled by medication 12. Signs and symptoms indicative of underlying cardiovascular disease 13. A chronic pulmonary disease 14. Emphysema 15. Pulmonary embolus 16. Asthma 17. History of renal disease 18. History of seizures 19. A neuropsychiatric disorder 20. Osteoporosis if it interferes with an individual's ability to exercise 21. Severe back problems 22. Severe arthritis if it interferes with an individual's ability to exercise 23. Thyroid disorder not controlled by medication 24. Polyneuropathy 25. Sleep disorders 26. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) 27. Hepatitis C 28. History of long Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) 29. History of cancer if not in full remission for at least 12 months and if a participant had the history of chemotherapy 30. Current or past smoking \<12 months 31. Corticosteroid intake \< 31 days before screening 32. Opioids taken \< 6 months from screening 33. Anabolic androgens taken \< 31 days before screening 34. A serious illness or hospitalization in the last six months 35. Currently taking medications that can affect the central nervous system (except for anxiolytics) 36. Current participation in an ongoing trial likely to influence exercise ability or cognitive function
Where this trial is running
Urbana, Illinois
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign — Urbana, Illinois, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Dominika M Pindus, Ph.D. — University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- Study coordinator: Dominika M Pindus, Ph.D.
- Email: pindus@illinois.edu
- Phone: 217-300-7317
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.