MRI Biomarkers and Exercise

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The overall goal of observational study is to examine the age-related and habitual exercise training status-related differences in structural and functional changes in the human brain, detected by magnetic resonance (MR) imaging.

Detailed Description
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Normal aging reduces cerebral blood flow, brain volume, and cognitive function, thereby increasing the risk of dementia or Alzheimer's disease. Aging is associated with increased white matter hyperintensities (WMH) and appears to alter functional connectivity within the brain both of which associated with cognitive function (references). Observational studies suggest that regular physical activity is associated with improved cognitive function and higher cerebral blood flow 1,2. However, it is unknown if aging or exercise training status alters the structural and functional biomarkers that are predictive of cognitive decline. Thus, the overall goal of this project is to examine the age-related and exercise training status-related differences in structural and functional changes in the brain, detected by magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. To determine if white matter hyperintensities on MRI scans of the brain are altered by aging and exercise training status. To determine the interaction of aging and habitual physical activity on functional connectivity in the brain.

Official Title
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MRI Biomarkers of Risk in Sedentary and Exercise Trained Humans

Conditions
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Cerebrovascular Circulation

Intervention / Treatment
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* Device: MRI


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Between 18-35 or 55-75 Body mass index <34 kg/m2 Physically active (exercise more than 3 times per week for at least 30 min) or sedentary (no formal exercise over 1 hour per week) Exclusion Criteria: Current smoker History or evidence of: hepatic disease, renal disease, hematological disease, peripheral vascular disease, stroke/neurovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension Part of a vulnerable population (e.g. pregnant women, prisoner, individuals lacking capacity to consent, etc.)

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 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 |
| --- | --- |
| Exercise trained young adults<br>Exercise trained young adults between the age of 18-35 years. | Device: MRI<br>* Participants will undergo an MRI scan<br>|
| Sedentary young adults<br>Sedentary young adults between the age of 18-35 years. | Device: MRI<br>* Participants will undergo an MRI scan<br>|
| Exercise trained older adults<br>Exercise trained older adults between the age of 55-75 years. | Device: MRI<br>* Participants will undergo an MRI scan<br>|
| Sedentary older adults<br>Sedentary older adults between the age of 55-75 years. | Device: MRI<br>* Participants will undergo an MRI scan<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| White Matter Hyperintensity Volume | Utilize an MRI to measure brain volume when participant is at rest | 60 minutes | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Default Mode Network Connectivity | Utilize an MRI to measure functional connectivity in the brain when participant is at rest | 60 minutes | 
| Middle Cerebral Artery Blood Flow Scan | Utilize an MRI to measure middle cerebral artery blood flow in the brain when the participant is at rest | 60 minutes | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Cognitive Function, Aging, White Matter Hyperintensity Volume, Default Mode Network Connectivity, Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Magnetic Resonance Imaging