Actively Recruiting
Exerkines and the Heterogeneity of Peripheral and Cerebral Vascular Adaptations to Exercise Training With Aging in Women and Men
Led by University of Colorado, Denver · Updated on 2025-06-05
242
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of Colorado, Denver
Lead Sponsor
N
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are studying how aerobic exercise (AE) affects blood vessel health in middle-aged and older adults, focusing on differences between men and women. This trial aims to understand why the benefits of AE vary, investigating biological and molecular changes related to aging that influence vascular health both in the body and brain. The goal is to uncover molecular signals that explain these variations and help develop personalized exercise recommendations or treatments for those who cannot exercise. Participants are randomly assigned to either a 12-week moderate-intensity aerobic exercise program or a no-exercise control group. The exercise group will perform treadmill walking/running and cycling three times a week, with sessions lasting about 60 minutes. The control group will maintain their usual activity and diet during the same period. Both groups will have regular check-ins to monitor changes in weight, physical activity, diet, and medications. During the study, researchers will collect blood and vascular cell samples before and after exercise sessions and after the 12-week intervention. They will measure blood vessel function, brain blood flow response, and analyze molecular profiles in blood samples. Participants will also wear devices to track fitness, blood pressure, body composition, physical activity, and sleep. The study measures include flow-mediated dilation of the brachial artery and cerebrovascular reactivity, assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks to understand exercise effects on vascular health.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Heterogeneity of Vascular Adaptations to Exercise With Aging in Women and Men
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Ability to provide consent
- Men and women aged 18 years or older
- Willingness to be randomized to exercise or control group
- No orthopedic limitations preventing treadmill or cycling exercise
- No hormone therapy use in postmenopausal women or men (hormonal contraceptives allowed in premenopausal women)
- Healthy based on medical history, physical exam, blood tests, ECG, and graded exercise test
- Sedentary or recreationally active with less than 2 days per week of vigorous activity
- No medications affecting cardiovascular function
- No use of vitamins, supplements, or anti-inflammatory medications, or willingness to stop 1 month prior and during the study
You will not qualify if you...
- Contraindications to aerobic exercise
- Diabetes or fasting glucose greater than 126 mg/dL
- Resting blood pressure 140/90 mmHg or higher
- Current or past cancer history except skin cancer
- Preexisting or active heart, kidney, or liver disease
- History of stomach ulcers, bleeding, epilepsy, nervous system or seizure disorders
- Active or chronic infections
- Abnormal resting ECG or signs of heart ischemia during exercise test
- Thyroid dysfunction outside defined range unless treated for at least 3 months
- Smoking or tobacco use
- Alcohol consumption over 14 drinks per week
- Body mass index over 39 kg/m2
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
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Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 12 weeks
Participants randomized to the aerobic exercise training group will engage in moderate-intensity treadmill walking/running and upright cycling sessions. Those in the control group will maintain their usual activity and diet. Participants will periodically check in with the study team to report any changes in weight, physical activity, diet, or medications.
3 exercise sessions per week and periodic check-in visits
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Center, Clinical Translational Research Center and Exercise Research Laboratory
Aurora, Colorado, United States, 80045
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
K
Kerrie Moreau, PhD
C
Claire Cox
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Number of Arms
2
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