Investigating Gains in Neurocognition in an Intervention Trial of Exercise (IGNITE)

What Is This Study About?

This trial will test the effects of 12 months of walking exercise on cognitive performance, brain structure and function, and other biological measures in older adults who are cognitively normal. Participants will be randomly assigned to either moderate-intensity aerobic exercise for 150 minutes per week (walking 30 minutes per day) or 225 minutes per week (walking 45 minutes per day), or to light-intensity stretching and toning for 150 minutes per week. Participants will meet three days a week and do home-based activity on two more days per week for a year. During March 2020 to August 2020, all exercise will be home-based due to Covid-19 restrictions. Researchers will gather data on cognitive performance, brain structure and function, cardiorespiratory fitness, physical function, and quality of life to determine how the different doses of exercise affect participants' brain health and to compare results among different groups, including those who are at higher risk for Alzheimer's disease.

Do I Qualify To Participate in This Study?

Must have:

• Able to walk without pain or the assistance of walking devices
• Able to speak and read English
• Exercise less than 20 minutes per week
• Medical clearance by primary care physician
• Living in the community for the study duration
• Reliable means of transportation
• Ability to undergo magnetic resonance imaging (no metal implants or claustrophobia) 

Must NOT have:

• Current diagnosis of a DSM-V Axis I or II disorder including major depression
• History of major psychiatric illness including schizophrenia (not including general anxiety disorder or depression)
• Current treatment for cancer except non-melanoma skin cancer
• Neurological condition, including multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and mild cognitive impairment
• Brain injury, including stroke
• Type I diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes
• Current alcohol or substance abuse
• Current treatment for congestive heart failure, angina, uncontrolled arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm), deep vein thrombosis, or other cardiovascular event
• Heart attack, coronary artery bypass grafting, angioplasty, or other cardiac condition in the past year
• Color blindness
• Traveling consecutively for three weeks or more during the study

If I Qualify, Who Do I Contact?

Contact study personnel listed either under the general study contact or the location nearest you.

 

Where Is This Study Located?

Who Sponsors This Study?

Lead: University of Pittsburgh

Collaborator Sponsor

• National Institute on Aging (NIA)

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02875301