Study of How Physical Activity and Inactivity Affect Body Functions in Adults Aged 50 to 65 Over Six Months

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating how physical activity and inactivity affect the bodys functions in middle-aged adults to better understand the biological mechanisms behind age-related health decline. This study focuses on how lifestyle behaviors impact health and wellbeing in later life, especially exploring how inactivity may cause long-term poor health. The research seeks to provide insight for future treatments and public health advice to help adults maintain better health as they age. The study involves two groups of participants aged 50 to 65 years. One group of moderately active individuals will reduce their activity for three months to match typical sedentary behavior in the UK, then undergo three months of supervised exercise training to regain fitness. The other group, who are currently sedentary, will increase their physical activity to recommended levels through six months of supervised exercise sessions. Both groups will attend sessions three times per week. Participants will complete various assessments before and during the study, including physical tests for fitness, strength, and muscle function, questionnaires about sleep and quality of life, and computer-based brain puzzles. They will also provide muscle and fat tissue biopsies, blood samples, and undergo MRI scans to study brain, heart, liver, and muscle health. Activity and diet will be recorded at home. The main outcome measured is change in cardiorespiratory fitness after 12 weeks, with additional measures tracked over 24 weeks. The study will run for five years, starting recruitment in March 2024 and ending in May 2027.

Multi-organ Responses to CHronic Physical Activity and INactivity