# Differential Effects of Exercise Modality on Cognition and Brain in Older Adults

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS MEDICAL CENTER · 2021 · $1,375,262

## Abstract

Project Summary
 Older adults often experience physical decline that can be directly ameliorated by physical
activity and exercise. Evidence is building that exercise prevents cognitive decline or delays the onset of
debilitating dementia (e.g. Alzheimer's disease [AD]) yet, the optimal dose and combination of exercise
modalities for promoting brain health, however, remains unknown and essentially untested.
 Our long-term research goal is to develop and test strategies to support successful aging and
prevent AD. We have successful ongoing (R01AG053312, R01AG053952, R01AG049749, R01AG52954,
R01AG043962) and completed projects (R01AG033673, R01AG034614, KL2TR000119) around a theme of
community-based exercise programs for older adults. We will enroll 280 individuals, age 65 to 80 years
without cognitive impairment, into a 52-week exercise intervention to test the combined and independent
effects of aerobic and resistance training on cognition, brain structure, and physical function. We will also
explore underlying biological mechanisms that may link exercise with brain health.
 Participants will be randomized into 1 of 4 groups: flexibility, toning and balance (control), aerobic
exercise training, progressive resistance training, or combined aerobic and resistance training. All intervention
groups represent the most common modalities of exercise and directly reflect the public health
recommendations for aerobic and resistance training. Exercise training will occur in a community setting
through the network of Greater Kansas City YMCAs. We hypothesize that 52 weeks of exercise will improve
1) cognitive performance, 2) regional brain volume, 3) cardiorespiratory fitness and strength 4) biomarkers.
 This will be the largest study to assess the combined and independent effects of the two most
recommended forms of exercise. Demonstrating specific exercise effects on cognitive function and brain
health in older adults would have enormous public health implications. The study's results will also impact
public health policy and education by providing evidence towards the specific or synergistic effects of aerobic
and resistance training on cognition and brain structure. Encouraging the public to adapt more active lifestyles
and stimulate the development of effective exercise delivery programs to enhance initiation and maintenance
of physical activity interventions is key to increasing the number of quality years of life for America's aging
population.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10097536
- **Project number:** 1R01AG070036-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS MEDICAL CENTER
- **Principal Investigator:** Amanda N. Szabo-Reed
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $1,375,262
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2021-04-01 → 2026-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10097536

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10097536, Differential Effects of Exercise Modality on Cognition and Brain in Older Adults (1R01AG070036-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-21 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10097536. Licensed CC0.

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