View clinical trials related to Aging.
Filter by:Many older adults lack the skill of efficient wheelchair propulsion despite being the largest cohort of wheelchair users. Inefficient wheelchair propulsion can lead to fatigue and overuse injuries that can result in lost independent mobility. This study will evaluate the effectiveness of a new training strategy using a motor learning based approach to train efficient wheelchair propulsion. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: 1) No practice; 2) Motor learning-based training; or 3) Practice (time-matched to training). Potential improvements based on training will be explored for wheeling biomechanical variables and energy efficiency. Study Hypothesis: We expect that the Training intervention will be superior to the Practice intervention for improving the biomechanical and physiological efficiency of wheelchair propulsion. It is also hypothesized that both the Training and Practice interventions will be superior to no practice.
Intrahepatic and intramyocellular lipid concentrations are elevated in elderly individuals relative to young people, despite no significant difference in fasting plasma TAG concentrations. Our general hypothesis is that the increase in intrahepatic fat with age results from reduced VLDL turnover, and therefore elderly individuals in this study will display lower VLDL turnover rates than young individuals. The aims of this study are a) to compare VLDL turnover in young and elderly individuals, and b) to compare a bolus method and a constant infusion method of assessing VLDL turnover.
Normal aging is associated with decline in some aspects of memory, and this can be a risk factor for reductions in everyday functioning. The Baycrest Memory and Aging Program teaches positive adaptation to age-related memory changes, including strategies for minimizing the everyday impact of normal memory change and positive lifestyle change to maximize brain health. Prior research has shown that the Memory and Aging program is effective in increasing participants' knowledge about memory, use of memory strategies, and confidence in memory function, as well as adoption of healthier lifestyle practices and reduction in intention to use unneeded health care resources. Although not one of the stated goals of the program, informal feedback from participants suggests that the educational content and skills training in the Memory and Aging Program has led some participants to change behaviours in ways that lead to significant improvements in their everyday functioning. For example, graduating participants often volunteer examples of how they have applied what they have learned to succeed in everyday memory tasks such as learning a new name or keeping track of future plans. Based on this participant feedback, it is hypothesized that the knowledge, skills, and confidence gained by Memory and Aging Program participants may lead to positive behaviour changes that, in turn, lead to improved everyday functioning. The present study will test this hypothesis using a randomized controlled pretest-posttest design.
This study will be the first to test whether a selected anti-inflammatory agent, methotrexate, reduces inflammation in a human body, improve cognitive and physical function, and reduce pain levels in older adults at risk for functional decline, due to systemic inflammation.
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the beneficial effects of a long term (12 weeks) green tea drinking on plasma, erythrocytes and saliva oxidative stress biomarkers and antioxidant capacity, as well as on cardiometabolic risk factors: anthropometric, inflammation and metabolic parameters in a healthy aging men and women.
A primary focus of the University of Florida (UF) Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center (OAIC) is to build a comprehensive understanding of the causes and consequences of declining physical function and disability development among older adults. To date investigators have largely focused on sarcopenia, the age-related decline in skeletal muscle mass and strength, as the primary contributor to physical decline. However, recent findings indicate that changes in the central and/or peripheral nervous systems may play a larger role than previously thought in the development of functional limitations. These fields hold extensive promise for identifying novel contributors to age-related functional decline. Therefore, the overarching aim of this project is to develop the ability of RC1 to assess novel neural contributors to mobility and overall physical function. Importantly, the development of these techniques will provide the RC1 with the tools to evaluate the potential involvement of the central and peripheral nervous systems in age-related functional decline and disablement. The primary aim of this project is to develop techniques for quantifying peripheral motor unit number and size as well as spinal cord integrity.
Physiological and neurocognitive changes experienced as a result of increasing age may influence socioemotional functioning and economic behaviors, yet, the mechanisms through which these changes occur are not well understood. Studies have also shown that aerobic exercise may protect against age-related cognitive decline in other domains. This research is designed to test the hypothesis that aerobic exercise will enhance social, emotional and economic functioning in older adults, and that these effects will occur via the effect of exercise on neurocognitive structure and function assessed via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Advancing our knowledge of the mechanisms that influence emotional, social and economic functioning could inform the development of targeted treatments and prevention programs for older adults.
The investigators are examining the effects of exercise and cardiovascular fitness on cognitive processes, brain function, and the amount of several proteins in the blood. These proteins include a hormone called cortisol, also known as the "stress hormone," and a growth factor called "brain-derived neurotrophic factor" (BDNF). The "stress hormone" cortisol is produced by the adrenal glands. Stress, exercise, obesity, and other factors may influence cortisol levels. BDNF is a protein that promotes the health of nerve cells in the brain and in the body. It plays a role in the growth, maturation, and maintenance of these cells. The amount of this protein in blood samples is therefore an indicator of healthy nerve cell function. Here, the investigators are investigating if exercise improves brain function by changing BDNF levels. Participation in this research study will take approximately 4 months. During this time, participants will make four initial study visits. The first visit is for informed consent and screening, the second and third visits are for baseline fitness testing, and the fourth visit is for a blood draw, cognitive testing, and a functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) exam. Functional MRI is a brain imaging technique that uses a magnetic field to "take pictures" of the brain while a person performs a given task. It will take up to approximately three weeks to complete these initial four study visits. Following the four initial study visits, the exercise-training program will begin. Participants will be randomized to one of two training programs: an aerobic exercise program and a non-aerobic exercise program consisting of strengthening, balance and stretching exercises. The exercise training program will last 12 weeks. There will be three one-hour exercise sessions per week. After completion of the exercise-training program, participants will attend three follow-up study visits. The first two follow-up visits are for fitness testing. The third and final follow-up visit is for a blood draw, cognitive testing, and an MRI exam.
- Aging is associated with a progressive and generalized deterioration of physiologic systems and greater incidence of chronic conditions, which ultimately translates into functional impairment, disability and dependency. - Physical activity and exercise have been recognized as key pillars for the management of chronic diseases in support of medical treatment, and essential to increase physiologic function, but there is only limited evidence indicating increased physical function, following exercise interventions. One of the greatest challenges in the science of aging and exercise is to understand whether and to which extent exercise and active life-style may postpone the onset of disability and/or reverse physical impairments. - Maintenance/improvements of physical function and mobility should be considered as primary targets for independent living, active engagement in societal challenges, and, more in general, when promoting "active ageing". - The aim of this study is to collect preliminary data to identify the feasibility and sustainability of an "active life-style intervention" in older adults with reduced mobility receiving a preventive home visit from the public health care authority. - This study will represent the base for a larger phase III parallel group study implemented in the public health care setting, with the specific aim of improving physical function and delay the onset of functional impairment in older adults.
The purpose of this research study is to explore the effects of fermented papaya preparation (FPP) on whole body inflammation, physical function, fatigue, and health-related quality of life. The investigators will conduct a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study on FPP in older adults. If FPP is found to have a beneficial impact on systematic inflammation in this study population (adults aged 70-100 years old), then this supplement may be a potential treatment option to combat aging.