Cognition and Neuroplasticity Sedentary Adults After 8 Weeks of Aerobic Exercise

The overall goal of the proposed study is to evaluate the effects of an 8-week aerobic exercise program on cognition and determine the relationship between cognitive improvements and neuroplasticity. The primary study aims include: 1) Quantify improvements in cognitive performance after 8 weeks (150 min per week) of moderate intensity aerobic exercise in sedentary adults ≥ 55 years of age; 2) Determine an association between changes in plasticity, aerobic capacity, and cognitive performance overall and by cognitive domain, after 8 weeks of moderate intensity aerobic exercise in sedentary adults ≥ 55 years of age. Due to challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing practices, and aiming to create a feasible scenario to continue the current study, we propose an additional option to safely adapt study methods to deliver the study in a home-based, fully remote manner. Importantly, this scenario also presents as an opportunity to collect meaningful data on our specific aims while translating this successful research program into a remote/home-based mode of delivery. A remote/home based option may also yield valuable preliminary data that will be relevant for planning future exercise studies in aging adults in the present "new normal". Therefore, this research project consist of two equivalent options: Option A: Current, IRB-approved, in-person methods pending appropriateness based on current University of Miami recommendations and standard operating procedures as it relates to the COVID-19 pandemic. Option B: Remote option of current methods to maximize recruitment. This will be the only option until the study team obtains approval to resume Option A (as per University's safety guidelines).