Neuroimaging Study of Exercise and Memory Function
| Status: | Completed |
|---|---|
| Conditions: | Healthy Studies |
| Therapuetic Areas: | Other |
| Healthy: | No |
| Age Range: | 18 - 85 |
| Updated: | 4/27/2018 |
| Start Date: | April 2014 |
| End Date: | March 2018 |
Aerobic Exercise, Neurotrophins, and fMRI of Hippocampal Function and Structure
The investigators are examining the effects of exercise and cardiovascular fitness on
cognitive processes, brain function, and the amount of several proteins in the blood. These
proteins include a hormone called cortisol, also known as the "stress hormone," and a growth
factor called "brain-derived neurotrophic factor" (BDNF). The "stress hormone" cortisol is
produced by the adrenal glands. Stress, exercise, obesity, and other factors may influence
cortisol levels. BDNF is a protein that promotes the health of nerve cells in the brain and
in the body. It plays a role in the growth, maturation, and maintenance of these cells. The
amount of this protein in blood samples is therefore an indicator of healthy nerve cell
function. Here, the investigators are investigating if exercise improves brain function by
changing BDNF levels. Participation in this research study will take approximately 4 months.
During this time, participants will make four initial study visits. The first visit is for
informed consent and screening, the second and third visits are for baseline fitness testing,
and the fourth visit is for a blood draw, cognitive testing, and a functional Magnetic
Resonance Imaging (fMRI) exam. Functional MRI is a brain imaging technique that uses a
magnetic field to "take pictures" of the brain while a person performs a given task. It will
take up to approximately three weeks to complete these initial four study visits. Following
the four initial study visits, the exercise-training program will begin. Participants will be
randomized to one of two training programs: an aerobic exercise program and a non-aerobic
exercise program consisting of strengthening, balance and stretching exercises. The exercise
training program will last 12 weeks. There will be three one-hour exercise sessions per week.
After completion of the exercise-training program, participants will attend three follow-up
study visits. The first two follow-up visits are for fitness testing. The third and final
follow-up visit is for a blood draw, cognitive testing, and an MRI exam.
cognitive processes, brain function, and the amount of several proteins in the blood. These
proteins include a hormone called cortisol, also known as the "stress hormone," and a growth
factor called "brain-derived neurotrophic factor" (BDNF). The "stress hormone" cortisol is
produced by the adrenal glands. Stress, exercise, obesity, and other factors may influence
cortisol levels. BDNF is a protein that promotes the health of nerve cells in the brain and
in the body. It plays a role in the growth, maturation, and maintenance of these cells. The
amount of this protein in blood samples is therefore an indicator of healthy nerve cell
function. Here, the investigators are investigating if exercise improves brain function by
changing BDNF levels. Participation in this research study will take approximately 4 months.
During this time, participants will make four initial study visits. The first visit is for
informed consent and screening, the second and third visits are for baseline fitness testing,
and the fourth visit is for a blood draw, cognitive testing, and a functional Magnetic
Resonance Imaging (fMRI) exam. Functional MRI is a brain imaging technique that uses a
magnetic field to "take pictures" of the brain while a person performs a given task. It will
take up to approximately three weeks to complete these initial four study visits. Following
the four initial study visits, the exercise-training program will begin. Participants will be
randomized to one of two training programs: an aerobic exercise program and a non-aerobic
exercise program consisting of strengthening, balance and stretching exercises. The exercise
training program will last 12 weeks. There will be three one-hour exercise sessions per week.
After completion of the exercise-training program, participants will attend three follow-up
study visits. The first two follow-up visits are for fitness testing. The third and final
follow-up visit is for a blood draw, cognitive testing, and an MRI exam.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Non-smoking
- Age between 18-35 years or between 55-85 years
- Sedentary status (physically inactive)
- Generally healthy
- Native-English speaker
Exclusion Criteria:
- Diagnosis of severe anemia
- Past or present condition that affect cognitive functioning:
1. learning disability
2. neurological disorders or conditions (movement disorder, history of head trauma
or stroke, epilepsy, etc.)
3. psychiatric disorders or conditions (depression, anxiety disorder, etc.)
- Poor vision that cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses
- Presence of an infection
- Diagnosis of kidney failure
- Diagnosis of liver disease
- Diagnosis of thyrotoxicosis/hyperthyroidism
- Diagnosis of cancer
- Past or present conditions that are counter indicators for participation in
cardio-respiratory fitness assessment and physical exercise:
1. heart (e.g. heart attack, arrhythmias, etc.)
2. circulatory (e.g. uncontrolled hypertension, high cholesterol, etc.)
3. respiratory conditions (e.g., asthma or lung conditions, such as chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease, acute bronchitis, acute common cold, lung cancer,
pneumonia, etc.)
4. current musculoskeletal impairments (e.g. leg claudication, fractures,
hemiplegia, chronic joint pain, arthritis, osteoporosis, not able to walk
comfortably without assistance, etc.)
5. diagnosis of electrolyte disorder or abnormality
6. presence of diabetes mellitus
- Claustrophobia (fear of small, encloses spaces)
- Female subjects: breast-feeding or potentially pregnant
- Obesity
- Eating disorder
- Compulsive exercising
- Ferro-magnetic metal in or on the body that cannot be removed (e.g. pacemaker,
defibrillator, permanent tattoo or eyeliner with metallic specks)
- Prescription medication or other drugs that are cardio-active
- Prescription medication or other drugs that are psycho-active
- Drug abuse or alcohol misuse
- Regularly exercising
- Unavailable for the approximately 4-month duration of the study
We found this trial at
1
site
72 East Concord Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02118
Boston, Massachusetts 02118
(617) 638-5300
Boston University School of Medicine A leader in medical education and research, Boston University School...
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