High-Velocity Resistance Training for Brain Blood Flow and Cognitive Function in Older Adults

Summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether a 12-week high-velocity resistance training program can improve brain blood flow and thinking skills in adults ages 60 to 79 who are at higher risk for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Researchers want to understand whether this type of exercise can improve how well the brain regulates blood flow during mental and physical tasks and whether those changes are linked to improvements in thinking ability. The main questions this study aims to answer are whether high-velocity resistance training improves thinking skills such as executive function and processing speed, and whether it improves how blood flow in the brain responds during cognitive testing, changes in blood pressure, and controlled breathing tasks. Participants will complete two study visits at the University of Illinois Chicago, one before the program begins and one after 12 weeks. During these visits, researchers will measure strength, muscle power, and thinking skills. Participants will also complete non-invasive testing to measure blood flow in the brain using ultrasound. During some tasks, participants will walk on a treadmill at a comfortable pace while completing thinking tests. They will wear small sensors to measure heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing. After the first visit, participants will be randomly assigned, like flipping a coin, to one of two groups. One group will take part in supervised resistance training three times per week for 12 weeks at the University of Illinois Chicago. Each session will last about 60 minutes and will be supervised by trained exercise professionals. The other group will continue their usual daily activities for 12 weeks and then return for follow-up testing. Participants in the comparison group will be offered the exercise program after they complete the final study visit. Researchers hope this study will improve understanding of how structured exercise may support brain health in older adults at risk for dementia and help guide future prevention strategies.

Conditions

• At Risk for AD-dementia, With Subjective Cognitive Decline
• At Risk for Cognitive Decline

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

High-Velocity Resistance Training

This intervention consists of supervised resistance training emphasizing rapid concentric muscle contractions performed against moderate external loads. Participants will train three times per week for 12 weeks, with each session lasting approximately 60 minutes. The program includes progressive loading across three phases, beginning at approximately 40 to 50 percent of one-repetition maximum, progressing to 50 to 65 percent, and then to 65 to 80 percent. Exercises target major upper- and lower-body muscle groups using resistance equipment. All sessions are conducted in person under supervision of trained exercise professionals to ensure proper technique, safety monitoring, and progression.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• National Institute on Aging (NIA)

  collaborator NIH

• University of Illinois at Chicago

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

60 Years

Max Age

79 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2026-06-30

Primary Completion

2028-05-31

Completion

2028-05-31