Emporia

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.

Alzheimers disease and related dementias present a major public health challenge worldwide, with adults living in rural areas facing higher risks due to disparities in care, more sedentary lifestyles, and less education. This research aims to evaluate the impact of a remotely delivered exercise program called RemoteEx, delivered through a smartphone app, on exercise adherence, effectiveness, enjoyment, and quality of life among underactive rural adults aged 40 to 85 years. The study also seeks to determine how this technology-driven exercise program influences blood pressure and functional mobility, which are linked to dementia risk, and aims to reduce health disparities in rural communities of Nebraska and Kansas. Participants will use the RemoteEx app for 16 weeks, which provides video instructions for exercises, motivational messages, and weekly education on dementia risk reduction. The program is designed to encourage consistent exercise, enhance knowledge about dementia and its modifiable risk factors, and support overall health improvement. The study involves pre- and post-intervention assessments to measure various health outcomes related to dementia risk. During the study, participants will be monitored for exercise adherence, efficacy, enjoyment, blood pressure, cardiovascular endurance, lower body strength, and quality of life using standardized tests and questionnaires. Assessments will occur at the start and end of the 16-week program. Researchers will also evaluate participants knowledge of dementia and barriers to physical activity. The total participation includes completing the 16-week program and attending scheduled evaluations to track changes and safety.