Neural Activation and Connectivity in Response to Exercise and Cognitive Training

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The goal of this pilot study is to evaluate whether healthy, sedentary older adults have increased activation of specific brain areas, in response to exercise and cognitive training, in comparison to a control group, and whether improvements in psychometric test performance are related to increased activation of brain networks. Participants, between age 55-75 years will be recruited from an ongoing study of exercise and cognitive training, to undergo Blood Oxygen Level Dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic imaging (fcMRI).

Official Title
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Neural Activation and Connectivity in Response to Exercise and Cognitive Training

Conditions
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Neural Connectivity

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Blood Oxygen Level Dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic imaging (fMRI)


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: meet the inclusion criteria for the parent study, Combining Exercise and Cognitive Training to Improve Everyday Function (EXACT) study (Unique Protocol ID 201102416). Exclusion Criteria: currently taking chronic psychotropic medication, beta blockers, or calcium channel blockers contraindication to MRI scanning inability to complete MRI scans in closed scanner

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 55 Years
Maximum Age: 75 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Combined<br>Participants assigned to this group have been randomized to the Combined group of the parent study, Combining Exercise and Cognitive Training to Improve Everyday Function(EXACT)(Unique Protocol ID 201102416). Participants perform a 6-month standardized aerobic training program at a local recreational center, 3 times per week for 1 hour. Participants in this group also perform an 8-week cognitive training program 3 days per week for 1 hour, during months 5 and 6. The cognitive training program is computer-based, and focuses on 3 types of cognitive processes: task coordination, prospective memory, and retrospective memory retrieval. The cognitive training is conducted on concurrent days with aerobic exercise training sessions, also on site at the recreational center. | Other: Blood Oxygen Level Dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic imaging (fMRI)<br>* All participants complete MRI scans at baseline and at the end of month 6. Scanning sessions last approximately 30 minutes each and consist of two components: (1) High resolution T1-weighted MPRAGE anatomic images to provide detailed anatomy and maximum gray-white matter contrast for images and to allow any estimate of regional or whole-brain volume, and (2) Resting BOLD functional images to allow assessment of the functional connectivity in large scale networks.<br>|
| Control<br>Participants assigned to this group have been randomized to the Control group of the parent study, Combining Exercise and Cognitive Training to Improve Everyday Function(EXACT)(Unique Protocol ID 201102416). Participants perform a 6-month home exercise program consisting of stretching, range of motion, and simple yoga exercises designed to improve flexibility. They are instructed to perform these exercises at home at least 3 times per week for 30 - 45 minutes and record their activity on a calendar. Participants also attend weekly 1-hour Health Education sessions for 8 weeks, during months 5 and 6. These sessions cover topics unrelated to exercise or cognition, such as nutrition, hearing loss, stroke, and home energy conservation. | Other: Blood Oxygen Level Dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic imaging (fMRI)<br>* All participants complete MRI scans at baseline and at the end of month 6. Scanning sessions last approximately 30 minutes each and consist of two components: (1) High resolution T1-weighted MPRAGE anatomic images to provide detailed anatomy and maximum gray-white matter contrast for images and to allow any estimate of regional or whole-brain volume, and (2) Resting BOLD functional images to allow assessment of the functional connectivity in large scale networks.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Functional connectivity of large-scale brain networks as seen through Blood Oxygen Level Dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) |  | Change in connectivity measurements between baseline and 6 months | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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MRI, Adult, Exercise, Cognition