Open AccessDesign of the ExCersion‐VCI study: The effect of aerobic exercise on cerebral perfusion in patients with vascular cognitive impairment
Author(s) -
Leeuwis Anna E.,
Hooghiemstra Astrid M.,
Amier Raquel,
Ferro Doeschka A.,
Franken Leonie,
Nijveldt Robin,
Kuijer Joost P.A.,
Bronzwaer AnneSophie G.T.,
Lieshout Johannes J.,
Rietberg Marc B.,
Veerbeek Janne M.,
Huijsmans Rosalie J.,
Backx Frank J.G.,
Teunissen Charlotte E.,
Bron Esther E.,
Barkhof Frederik,
Prins Niels D.,
Shahzad Rahil,
Niessen Wiro J.,
Roos Albert,
Osch Matthias J.P.,
Rossum Albert C.,
Biessels Geert J.,
Flier Wiesje M.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
alzheimer's and dementia: translational research and clinical interventions
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.49
H-Index - 30
ISSN - 2352-8737
DOI - 10.1016/j.trci.2017.02.002
Subject(s) - aerobic exercise , cardiorespiratory fitness , physical therapy , dementia , randomized controlled trial , cerebral blood flow , cognition , medicine , physical medicine and rehabilitation , psychology , cardiology , psychiatry , disease
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.