Emporia

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of a technology-driven independent exercise program on health outcomes related to dementia risk in underactive adults aged 40 to 70 years living in rural Kansas. This study aims to reduce barriers to physical activity, improve physical fitness, and influence biomarkers associated with dementia risk using personalized exercise programming delivered through a smartphone app. Participants include middle-aged and older adults at increased risk for cognitive decline, with assessments conducted to measure the impact on dementia risk biomarkers, quality of life, and physical fitness. Participants will be randomized into two groups: an exercise group receiving a 16-week structured exercise program and a control group remaining underactive during this period. The exercise program includes three weekly sessions targeting 75-150 minutes of aerobic exercise and 2-3 strength training sessions weekly, following national recommendations and exercises beneficial for brain health. The program is delivered via a fitness app on participants' smartphones or tablets, which provides exercise videos, tracks adherence and progression, and allows communication with the research team. The control group will be offered the exercise program after the initial 16 weeks. Before starting, participants undergo baseline physical fitness and health assessments including cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, blood glucose, cholesterol levels, and surveys on barriers to activity and stress. These assessments are repeated after the 16-week program to evaluate changes. The study team monitors exercise technique and safety through video submissions and app communications. Participants must complete at least 83% of exercise sessions for their data to be included. The total study participation per individual lasts 16 weeks, focusing on exercise adherence, fitness improvements, and biomarker changes linked to dementia risk.

This research focuses on sedentary middle-aged and older adults living in rural Kansas and Nebraska who face increased risk for cognitive impairment and dementia due to disparities in care and lifestyle factors. The study evaluates the impact of a remotely delivered exercise program called RemoteEx+ through a smartphone application designed to improve exercise adherence and reduce dementia risk. The project aims to assess exercise adherence, efficacy, enjoyment, quality of life, blood pressure, functional mobility, and health disparities among rural adults. Participants will engage in the RemoteEx+ program for 16 weeks, which includes video instructions for exercises, motivational messaging, and education on dementia risk reduction. The smartphone app supports workout routines and encourages regular exercise to improve health outcomes related to dementia risk. The program is tailored to enhance exercise knowledge and promote lifestyle changes for better health. During the study, participants will be monitored for exercise adherence, blood pressure changes, and functional mobility through tests like the 2-minute step test and 30-second chair rise test. Questionnaires will assess exercise self-efficacy, enjoyment, quality of life, barriers to physical activity, and dementia knowledge. The study tracks improvements in health behaviors and biomarkers associated with dementia risk, aiming to reduce disparities in rural communities over the 16-week period.