Design of the ExCersion-VCI study: The effect of aerobic exercise on cerebral perfusion in patients with vascular cognitive impairment

Anna E. Leeuwis*, Astrid M. Hooghiemstra, Raquel Amier, Doeschka A. Ferro, Leonie Franken, Robin Nijveldt, Joost P A Kuijer, Anne Sophie G T Bronzwaer, Johannes J. van Lieshout, Marc B. Rietberg, Janne M. Veerbeek, Rosalie J. Huijsmans, Frank J G Backx, Charlotte E. Teunissen, Esther E. Bron, Frederik Barkhof, Niels D. Prins, Rahil Shahzad, Wiro J. Niessen, Albert de RoosMatthias J P van Osch, Albert C. van Rossum, Geert J. Biessels, Wiesje M. van der Flier

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

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    Abstract

    There is evidence for a beneficial effect of aerobic exercise on cognition, but underlying mechanisms are unclear. In this study, we test the hypothesis that aerobic exercise increases cerebral blood flow (CBF) in patients with vascular cognitive impairment (VCI). This study is a multicenter single-blind randomized controlled trial among 80 patients with VCI. Most important inclusion criteria are a diagnosis of VCI with Mini-Mental State Examination ≥22 and Clinical Dementia Rating ≤0.5. Participants are randomized into an aerobic exercise group or a control group. The aerobic exercise program aims to improve cardiorespiratory fitness and takes 14 weeks, with a frequency of three times a week. Participants are provided with a bicycle ergometer at home. The control group receives two information meetings. Primary outcome measure is change in CBF. We expect this study to provide insight into the potential mechanism by which aerobic exercise improves hemodynamic status.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)157-165
    JournalAlzheimer's and Dementia: Translational Research and Clinical Interventions
    Volume3
    Issue number2
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2017

    Keywords

    • Arterial spin labeling
    • Cerebral blood flow
    • Cognition
    • Exercise
    • Randomized clinical trial
    • Vascular cognitive impairment

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