Cybercycling for Cognitive Health

Cybercycling for Older Adults: Neuropsychological, Physiological and Behavioral Effects

Exercise has been linked to cognitive health, but few older adults exercise at recommended levels. Cybercycling may provide additional cognitive benefits due to increased motivation to ride the interactive 3D tours. Participants will be randomly assigned to three months of either cybercycling or traditional stationary biking; and they will complete comprehensive evaluations before and after exercise. Older adults are expected to show significant neuropsychological, physiological and behavioral gains.

The purpose of this study is to test the following hypotheses: (1) stationary cycling with virtual reality tours ("cybercyle") will enhance executive function and clinical status more than traditional exercise; (2) exercise effort will explain improvement; and (3) brain-derived neurotrophic growth factor (BDNF) will increase.

Inclusion Criteria:

• age 50+
• able to participate in cycling
• physician permission

Exclusion Criteria:

• unstable heart condition
• physician denial
• neurological condition