AMPLIFI: Adaptive Modulation of Plasticity Through Lactate and Fitness Interventions

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM · Apr 22, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The AMPLIFI study is looking at how short-term aerobic exercise, like cycling, can help improve brain function and learning in older adults and stroke survivors. The researchers want to see if different types of exercise—one that raises lactate levels through more intense cycling, one that is less intense, and a group that only receives health education without exercise—affect the brain’s ability to adapt and learn. Participants will take part in motor learning tasks and brain testing to see how well their brains respond to the training and whether exercise can support better movement and memory.

To join the study, participants need to be right-handed, speak English, and be cleared for moderate exercise. They should also be able to pedal a stationary bike. Younger adults aged 18-35 must not have any history of neurological or psychiatric conditions, while older adults aged 60-85 should not have dementia and must be independent in daily activities. Stroke survivors between 18-85 need to be at least six months post-stroke and medically stable. The study is not yet recruiting, but it aims to find affordable and safe ways to boost brain health through targeted exercise, which could be beneficial for aging individuals and those recovering from strokes.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• For All Participants:
• • Able to provide informed consent
• • Right-handed (for TMS consistency)
• • English-speaking
• • Clearance for moderate-intensity aerobic exercise
• • Able to safely sit and pedal a stationary cycle ergometer
• • No contraindications to TMS (e.g., no metal in skull, pacemakers, or seizure history)
• Younger Adults (18-35):
• • No history of neurological or psychiatric conditions
• • Not currently on medications that affect the central nervous system
• Older Adults (60-85):
• • No diagnosis of dementia
• • Independent in activities of daily living
• • No stroke history
• Stroke Survivors (18-85):
• • At least 6 months post-stroke (chronic phase)
• • Medically stable and cleared for aerobic exercise
• • Able to engage in motor learning task (with or without hemiparetic adaptations)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • History of epilepsy or seizures
• • Current substance abuse or uncontrolled psychiatric disorder
• • Severe cardiovascular disease or unstable medical condition
• • Pregnancy
• • Contraindications to TMS or exercise testing (e.g., implanted neurostimulators, severe hypertension)
• • Participation in another interventional trial within the past 30 days