Breaking Sitting With High-intensity Interval Training for Brain Health

Eligibility Criteria

• 1. Age 60-75 years
• 2. BMI \<40 kg/m2
• 3. Sedentary (≥ 6 h/day sitting by a survey question)
• 4. Not exercising regularly (i.e., not exercising at least three times a week for at least 30 minutes)
• 5. Capable of exercising vigorously based on the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PARQ+)
• 6. Has a medical clearance for maximal exercise and HIIT from a physician
• 7. Normotensive or participant's blood pressure is controlled
• 8. Intelligence quotient (IQ) ≥85
• 9. Fasting plasma glucose \<126 mg/dL
• 10. Good or corrected vision and hearing
• 11. Right-handed
• 12. No significant abnormalities on the ECG during the maximal exercise test
• 13. No signs and symptoms that suggest an underlying cardiovascular disease as recorded during the maximal exercise test by a study physician.
• 14. No indications to prematurely stop the maximal exercise test as outlined by the ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription
• 1. Physical disability or musculoskeletal disease prohibitive to vigorous exercise
• 2. Learning disabilities
• 3. Cognitive impairment (MoCA \<26)
• 4. Type 1 or 2 diabetes
• 5. Neurological condition (e.g., Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson, Dementia, Mild Cognitive Impairment)
• 6. Color blindness
• 7. Brain injury (e.g., traumatic brain injury, stroke, concussion)
• 8. Migraine headaches
• 9. Presence of other health conditions that may be exacerbated by exercise
• 10. History of heart disease
• 11. High cholesterol not controlled by medication
• 12. Signs and symptoms indicative of underlying cardiovascular
• 13. A chronic pulmonary disease
• 14. Emphysema
• 15. Pulmonary embolus
• 16. Asthma
• 17. History of renal disease
• 18. History of seizures
• 19. A neuropsychiatric disorder
• 20. Osteoporosis if it interferes with an individual's ability to exercise
• 21. Severe back problems
• 22. Severe arthritis if it interferes with an individual's ability to exercise
• 23. Thyroid disorder not controlled by medication
• 24. Polyneuropathy
• 25. Sleep disorders
• 26. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
• 27. Hepatitis C
• 28. History of long Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
• 29. History of cancer
• 30. Current or past smoking \<12 months
• 31. Corticosteroid intake \< 31 days before screening
• 32. Opioids taken \< 6 months from screening
• 33. Anabolic androgens taken \< 31 days before screening
• 34. A serious illness or hospitalization in the last six months
• 35. Currently taking medications that can affect the central nervous system (except for anxiolytics)
• 36. Current participation in an ongoing trial likely to influence exercise ability or cognitive function