Actively Recruiting
Active AMD Study to Improve Function in Veterans
Led by VA Office of Research and Development · Updated on 2026-02-23
70
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
234 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss among Veterans aged 50 years and older. AMD also adversely affects mortality, physical and cognitive functioning, and activities of daily living. These debilitations negatively impact quality of life for US Veterans. Unfortunately, there are no cures and few treatments. With the increase in the aging Veteran population and the increasing prevalence of AMD, it is imperative to identify and implement strategies to limit the functional burden of AMD. To address this growing challenge, the investigators propose to test the impact of a proven exercise intervention, stationary bicycling (spinning), on visual and non-visual negative health outcomes in AMD. The work in several retinal degeneration mouse models shows that aerobic exercise significantly preserves retinal morphology and function and visual acuity. Even more exciting, the investigators' preliminary work with older Veterans with and without AMD suggests that spin cycling modestly but significantly benefits visual acuity in aged Veterans. Based on this work, the investigators propose to implement a 6-month synchronous, online group spin cycling program for Veterans with AMD, evaluating effects on physical, cognitive, and visual outcomes.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Active AMD Study to Improve Function in Veterans
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Veterans diagnosed with intermediate stage Age Related Macular Degeneration in at least one eye
- Aged between 65 and 89 years
- Montreal Cognitive Assessment score greater than 26 indicating normal cognition
- Able and willing to cooperate with study assessments and interventions
- Free from diseases affecting cognition or ability to do aerobic exercise, including chronic heart, liver, or kidney disease
- Free from diseases or injuries directly affecting brain functions such as significant head injury, stroke, epilepsy, or degenerative nervous system diseases
- Have stable internet access at home
- Speak English as a primary language and have graduated high school
You will not qualify if you...
- Visual impairments not related to Age Related Macular Degeneration
- History of major psychiatric disorders including psychosis, major depression, or bipolar disorder
- Current alcohol or substance use disorder
- Cardiovascular disease or history of myocardial infarction
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Atlanta VA Medical and Rehab Center, Decatur, GA
Decatur, Georgia, United States, 30033-4004
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
J
Joe R Nocera, PhD
CONTACT
M
Medina O Bello
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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