Role of Aging and Individual Variation in Exercise Training Responsiveness

The Role of Aging and Individual Variation in Exercise Training Responsiveness

The primary purpose of this study is to assess the effects of aging on markers of physical reserve and exercise-induced adaptations in resilience in older adults who completed a structured exercise program within the last 15 years (Parent trial: STRRIDE-PD; NCT00962962). This feasibility pilot study will enroll up to 26 participants to complete a 6-month aerobic exercise intervention.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Individuals who completed participation in the STRRIDE-PD trial (NCT00962962)
• Body Mass Index (BMI) > 18 and < 45 kg/m2
• Stable dose (≥1 month) of any cardiometabolic medications

Exclusion Criteria:

• Poor vein access
• Current use of tobacco or any nicotine products, including e-cigarettes
• Insulin-dependent diabetes
• Active untreated hypothyroidism with thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations > 10.0 uIU/mL
• Systemic inflammatory or connective tissue disease, chronic infectious disease, chronic pulmonary disease or symptomatic cardiovascular disease with positive functional study by ECG or imaging
• Current, actively treated malignancy other than dermatologic conditions
• Absolute contraindications to exercise testing: ongoing unstable angina; uncontrolled cardiac arrhythmia with hemodynamic compromise; active endocarditis; symptomatic severe aortic stenosis; decompensated heart failure; acute pulmonary embolism, pulmonary infarction, or deep vein thrombosis; acute myocarditis or pericarditis; acute aortic dissection; physical disability that precludes safe and adequate testing
• Relative contraindications to exercise testing: known obstructive left main coronary artery stenosis; moderate to severe aortic stenosis with uncertain relation to symptoms; tachyarrhythmias with uncontrolled ventricular rates; acquired advanced or complete heart block; hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy with severe resting gradient; recent stroke or transient ischemic attack; mental impairment with limited ability to cooperate; uncorrected medical conditions, such as hypertension, significant anemia, important electrolyte imbalance, and hyperthyroidism
• Modified testing contraindications: acute myocardial infarction (MI) within six months; resting hypertension with systolic or diastolic blood pressures >160/90 mmHg
• Unable to safely participate in an exercise program per study protocol per PI discretion
• Planned, intentional weight loss during study