MRI Biomarkers and Exercise

Completed

• Conditions: Cerebrovascular Circulation
• Interventions: Device: MRI

• Registration Number: NCT02729428
• Lead Sponsor: University of Wisconsin, Madison

Brief Summary

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

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.

1. To determine if white matter hyperintensities on MRI scans of the brain are altered by aging and exercise training status.

2. To determine the interaction of aging and habitual physical activity on functional connectivity in the brain.

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2016-03-24
• Study First Submitted QC: 2016-03-30
• Study Start: 2016-04
• Study First Posted: 2016-04-06
• Primary Completion: 2019-04
• Study Completion: 2019-04
• Status Verified: 2019-12
• Last Update Submitted: 2019-12-06
• Last Update Posted: 2019-12-09

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 71

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.)

Study & Design

• Study Type: OBSERVATIONAL
• Study Design: Not specified

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Exercise trained young adults	MRI	Exercise trained young adults between the age of 18-35 years.
Sedentary young adults	MRI	Sedentary young adults between the age of 18-35 years.
Exercise trained older adults	MRI	Exercise trained older adults between the age of 55-75 years.
Sedentary older adults	MRI	Sedentary older adults between the age of 55-75 years.

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
White Matter Hyperintensity Volume	60 minutes	Utilize an MRI to measure brain volume when participant is at rest

Secondary Outcome Measures

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

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Gymnasium-Natatorium; 🇺🇸 Madison, Wisconsin, United States