A Pilot Trial of High-Intensity Exercise to Combat Vascular and Cognitive Dysfunction in Older Adults With HIV
This is a single site, randomized exercise trial with individuals at least 50 years of age living with HIV who experience suboptimal cognition. The overall goals of this proposal are to determine whether 16 weeks of structured high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can overcome vascular and cognitive impairments (Aim 1) to a greater extent than continuous moderate exercise. Additionally, investigator will seek to identify barriers to engagement in exercise and the participants' perceptions of the study and exercise interventions (Aim 2). This study will enroll 60 participants in Birmingham, Alabama. Data collection will occur at each visit, with baseline data collected at the initial visit with a 3-month follow-up occurring following completion of the intervention.
• Age 50 years and older
• Sedentary lifestyle, defined as \< 150 min/wk moderate physical activity as assessed by CHAMPS questionnaire
• Neurocognitive Impairment (as assessed using the BRACE+
• Prescribed HIV ART for ≥ 12 months, with no current use of older drugs with established mitochondrial toxicity
• Able to speak, read, and write in English
• Willingness to participate in all study procedures