Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable

High-Velocity Resistance Training for Brain Blood Flow and Cognitive Function in Older Adults

60 participantsStarted 2026-06

Plain-language summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether a 12-week high-velocity resistance training program can improve brain blood flow and thinking skills in adults ages 60 to 79 who are at higher risk for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Researchers want to understand whether this type of exercise can improve how well the brain regulates blood flow during mental and physical tasks and whether those changes are linked to improvements in thinking ability. The main questions this study aims to answer are whether high-velocity resistance training improves thinking skills such as executive function and processing speed, and whether it improves how blood flow in the brain responds during cognitive testing, changes in blood pressure, and controlled breathing tasks. Participants will complete two study visits at the University of Illinois Chicago, one before the program begins and one after 12 weeks. During these visits, researchers will measure strength, muscle power, and thinking skills. Participants will also complete non-invasive testing to measure blood flow in the brain using ultrasound. During some tasks, participants will walk on a treadmill at a comfortable pace while completing thinking tests. They will wear small sensors to measure heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing. After the first visit, participants will be randomly assigned, like flipping a coin, to one of two groups. One group will take part in supervised resistance training three times per week for 12 weeks at the University of Illinois Chicago. Each session will last about 60 minutes and will be supervised by trained exercise professionals. The other group will continue their usual daily activities for 12 weeks and then return for follow-up testing. Participants in the comparison group will be offered the exercise program after they complete the final study visit. Researchers hope this study will improve understanding of how structured exercise may support brain health in older adults at risk for dementia and help guide future prevention strategies.

Who can participate

Age range60 Years – 79 Years

SexALL

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Inclusion Criteria: * Age 60 to 79 years * Able to walk on a treadmill at a comfortable, self-selected pace for at least 30 minutes with short breaks * Has at least one vascular risk factor (such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol) * Has a first-degree family history of dementia or self-reported concerns about memory or thinking * Fluent in English * Willing and able to provide written informed consent * Cleared to participate in supervised resistance training based on physical activity screening and, if required, physician clearance Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of Alzheimer disease, other dementia, stroke, Parkinson disease, multiple sclerosis, or another major neurological disorder * Unstable cardiovascular disease (such as recent heart attack, unstable chest pain, or uncontrolled abnormal heart rhythm) * Uncontrolled high blood pressure * Major psychiatric illness that would interfere with participation * Medical condition that makes moderate-to-high intensity resistance training unsafe * Current participation in structured high-intensity resistance training * Any medical condition that, in the opinion of the study investigator, would increase risk during participation

What they're measuring

Change in Executive Function Standard Score

Timeframe: Baseline and 12 weeks

Change in Processing Speed Standard Score

Timeframe: Baseline and 12 weeks

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07444554

SponsorUniversity of Illinois at Chicago

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2028-05

Contact for this trial

Stacey E Aaron, PhD

312-355-7220 seaaron@uic.edu