The University of Illinois College of Applied Health Sciences is conducting a research study to examine how six months of either yoga, stretching-toning or aerobic exercise will affect the cognitive and physical health of older adults — and you might be the perfect subject.
Here’s how it works: After enrollment, you will complete all assessments before being randomized into one of three exercise groups. Six months later — after the exercise sessions — you will complete all the study assessments from baseline. Twelve months later you will once again repeat the study assessments. This is to understand the potential lasting health benefits of your exercise participation.
To be eligible, you must be 55-79 years old; have no past or current diagnosis of cognitive impairment; have low activity (less than two days of 30 minutes of structured exercise per week); have an absence of health conditions that may be exacerbated by exercise; have no MRI contraindications; and have have no joint pain or recent surgery on your back, shoulder, knee or hands, and no sciatica or other peripheral nerve damage.
Participants will receive up to $240 for completing all assessments. They will work with trained exercise leaders, interact with a group exercise program and receive personalized feedback at the end of the study about changes in their health and fitness levels.
All staff will wear masks and face shields while being tested for COVID-19 weekly. Exercise spaces will be cleaned and disinfected daily. Participants will receive their own exercise equipment and will be distanced six feet apart.
The S.A.Y. (Stretching Aerobic & Yoga) Exercise study is funded by the National Institute of Aging, who mission is to promote research focused on healthy aging and well-being for the ever increasing population of older adults. Age is one of the biggest risk factors for cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s. Exercise is a successful method to improve brain and cognitive health later in life.
For more information or to enroll, click here.