Exercise From Afar Progressing At-Risk Rural Adults to Effective Independent Exercise for Dementia Risk Reduction

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to investigate how a technology-driven independent exercise program impacts health outcomes linked to dementia risk among underactive adults aged 40 to 70 living in rural and frontier areas of Kansas. The study focuses on improving physical fitness and biomarkers associated with dementia risk by reducing barriers to exercise and supporting adherence, especially for middle-aged and older adults at increased risk for cognitive decline. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups an exercise group receiving a structured 16-week exercise program delivered via a smartphone app, and a control group that remains underactive but will be offered the exercise program after 16 weeks. The exercise program includes aerobic and strength training sessions based on national guidelines and previous research supporting brain health. The app provides exercise videos, tracks participation and progression, and allows for communication and technique review with the research team. Before and after the 16-week intervention, participants will complete supervised baseline assessments including cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, blood glucose and cholesterol levels, and surveys on barriers to activity and stress. The research team will monitor exercise adherence through the app and assess the impact of the program on exercise behavior, physical fitness, and biomarkers related to dementia risk. The study period for each participant lasts 16 weeks, with follow-up assessments repeating initial measures to evaluate changes.

Exercise From Afar: Progressing At Risk Individuals to Independent Exercise