High-Intensity Exercise for Cognitive Impairment with HIV
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores whether high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can enhance thinking skills and blood vessel health in individuals with HIV who experience memory and concentration issues. It compares HIIT to regular, moderate exercise to determine which is more effective. The trial also examines barriers to exercise and participants' perceptions of the exercise routines. Suitable candidates have HIV, are over 50, and lead relatively inactive lifestyles. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to understanding how exercise can benefit cognitive and vascular health in HIV patients.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, you must have been on prescribed HIV ART (antiretroviral therapy) for at least 12 months and not be using older drugs with known mitochondrial toxicity.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research has shown that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is generally safe for people living with HIV. One study found that HIIT improved fitness levels without causing harmful effects. Another study reported a low risk of serious issues, with only two nonfatal incidents occurring in over 46,000 hours of exercise. These findings suggest that HIIT is well-tolerated, even for those with health challenges.
While specific safety data for regular moderate exercise is not available from the sources, moderate exercise is often recommended for its health benefits and low risk of harm. Both types of exercise appear to be safe options for improving health in older adults with HIV.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about these exercise techniques for cognitive impairment in HIV because they offer a unique, non-pharmacological approach to treatment. Unlike standard care options that typically involve medication to manage symptoms, these exercise regimens—Continuous Moderate Exercise and High-Intensity Interval Training—focus on improving brain health through physical activity. High-Intensity Interval Training, in particular, is thought to enhance cognitive function by boosting blood flow and stimulating brain plasticity more effectively than consistent moderate exercise. These methods could provide a dynamic and accessible alternative for managing cognitive issues, potentially leading to improved quality of life without the side effects associated with medication.
What evidence suggests that this trial's exercise interventions could be effective for cognitive impairment with HIV?
Research has shown that high-intensity interval training (HIIT), one of the treatments in this trial, can enhance thinking and memory skills. In a small study with older adults living with HIV, HIIT combined with strength exercises significantly boosted their mental abilities. Another study found that even short-term HIIT improved decision-making and memory. These findings suggest that the intense bursts of exercise in HIIT might aid mental challenges. While regular moderate exercise, another treatment arm in this trial, is beneficial, HIIT appears to offer greater advantages for improving mental performance in people living with HIV.15678
Who Is on the Research Team?
Raymond Jones, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults over 50 living with HIV who have cognitive challenges and a sedentary lifestyle. They must be on HIV treatment without old drugs known to harm mitochondria, speak English, and not engage in moderate exercise more than 150 minutes per week. Exclusions include severe heart disease, uncontrolled diabetes or hypertension, kidney or mitochondrial diseases, active substance abuse, orthopedic limitations to exercise, other trials' participation, or needing oxygen for lung issues.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Baseline Assessment
Baseline data collection including vascular function and cognitive assessments
Treatment
Participants undergo 16 weeks of structured high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or continuous moderate exercise
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, including 3-month post-intervention assessments
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Continuous Moderate Exercise
- High-Intensity Interval Training
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Lead Sponsor