Step-by-Step Tour of the Study Timeline
- Our research project and safety plan to resume in person research has been approved by the UMD IRB.
- All participants and researchers report symptoms, and wash hands and have temperature checked on arrival.
- All participants and research staff wear masks and other PPE, and maintain social distancing.
- All equipment is disinfected before and after use according to CDC approved guidelines.
- Testing is conducted in large open rooms with HEPA 13 air filtration systems.
CONSENT
If you qualify for the study after completing the screening interview, you will come to the UMD campus to complete some additional screening and the informed consent form.
Baseline Day 1 (4 Hours)
COGNITIVE ASSESSMENTS
On the first day of testing, you will complete an interview to assess your overall cognitive function.
After the cognitive examination, you will also complete questionnaires about your mood, sleep and diet.
PHYSICAL FUNCTION TESTING
Also, on Day 1, you will complete tests of your physical function, including your gait speed.
GRADED EXERCISE TEST
The last activity on the first day of testing is the grade exercise test, used to determine your level of fitness.
The mouthpiece is easy to use and similar to a snorkel tube.
Baseline Day 2 (2.5 Hours)
MRI SCAN
You will spend about 75 minutes inside the MRI scanner, where we will take pictures of your brain. There is no exposure to radiation, and we will ensure you are safe for MRI.
Follow-up Day 3 (1.5 hours)
BLOOD DRAW
After a fasting blood draw you will receive a healthy snack.
VASCULAR ULTRASOUND
After your blood draw, our technicians will use an ultrasound device to take pictures of your blood vessels.
During the 6-month exercise intervention, all participants will receive supervised exercise classes four days per week. (* Classes via Zoom in your own home)
These exercise classes will consist of low to moderate intensity stretching, balance, and strengthening exercise. (* Classes via Zoom in your own home)
Participants randomly assigned to the treadmill condition will walk on a treadmill each session. Both exercise conditions are expected to lead to health benefits. (* Classes via Zoom in your own home)
Follow-up Day 1 (4 Hours)
COGNITIVE ASSESSMENTS
On the first day of your Follow-up testing, you will again complete an interview to assess your overall cognitive function.
After the cognitive examination, you will also complete questionnaires about your mood, sleep and diet.
PHYSICAL FUNCTION TESTING
Also, on Follow-up Day 1, you will complete tests of your physical function, including your gait speed.
GRADED EXERCISE TEST
The last activity on the first day of testing is the grade exercise test, used to determine your level of fitness.
The mouthpiece is easy to use and similar to a snorkel tube.
Follow-up Day 2 (2.5 Hours)
MRI SCAN
You will again spend about 75 minutes inside the MRI scanner, where we will take pictures of your brain. There is no exposure to radiation, and we will ensure you are safe for MRI.
Follow-up Day 3 (1.5 hours)
BLOOD DRAW
After a fasting blood draw you will receive a healthy snack.
VASCULAR ULTRASOUND
After your blood draw, our technicians will use an ultrasound device to take pictures of your blood vess
