Yoga, Aerobic and Stretching Exercise Effects on Neurocognition

Yoga, Aerobic and Stretching Exercise Effects on Neurocognitive Performance: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The investigators propose to conduct a 6-month 3-arm randomized controlled exercise trial among older adults to compare the efficacy of yoga with aerobic exercise and stretching-toning exercises on cognitive function, brain structure and function, cardiorespiratory fitness, functional fitness, and inflammatory and molecular markers. Using a single-blind, three arm randomized control trial, 168 older adults ages 55-79 will be assigned to either: a Hatha yoga group, an aerobic exercise group or an active stretching and toning control group. The groups will engage in hour-long group exercise sessions 3x/week. A comprehensive neurocognitive test battery, brain imaging, cardiovascular fitness test, and a blood draw will take place at baseline; end of the 6-month intervention, and at 12-month follow-up. The proposed work will examine the relationship between yoga training and improved cognitive functioning as well as identify neurobiological correlates as potential mechanisms of action through which yoga training exerts its effect on cognitive function. COVID-19 Precautions: Due to COVID-19, all exercise sessions will be conducted live via Zoom video-conferencing such that 1/3rd of the participants in each group will exercise in person with the research staff at UIUC campus once a week while the remaining 2/3rd will tune in via Zoom

Participants will be led through a beginner yoga course taught by a certified yoga instructor. Classes will meet three times a week for 60 minutes over the 6 month study duration. Sessions will focus on yoga postures, breathing, and meditative practices and may utilize mats, blocks, belts, and blankets.

Trained exercise instructors will lead participants through an aerobic group exercise class. Sessions will begin with a 15-20 minute aerobics class and increase in duration over the 6 months capping off at 40-minutes per session. The prescribed intensity will be 50-60% of the maximum heart rate reserve for weeks one to six and 60-75% for the remainder of the program.

Participants randomized to this group will meet three times a week for an hour-long structured group exercise session. This group will perform stretching and toning exercises using resistance bands, balance disks, and exercise mats.

A comprehensive neuropsychological battery (part of the NIH toolbox) will be used that assesses different domains of cognitive function, including working memory, attention and executive function.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) will be assessed through a blood serum analysis at each timepoint.

The mediating role of cardiorespiratory fitness will be assessed by using a treadmill based graded exercise test designed to measure peak VO2 capacity

Inclusion Criteria: 55-79 years of age at study enrollment TICS-M score of 32 or higher No current or past diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment or dementias Low-active (≤ 2 days of 30 minutes of structured exercise/week) Physician's consent to participate in VO2max testing and the exercise program Ambulatory Absence of health conditions that may be exacerbated by exercise Good or corrected vision and hearing No MRI contraindications (e.g. metal or implanted devices in the body) Right-handed Intention to remain in the Champaign-Urbana area over the study duration Exclusion Criteria: Below 55 or above 79 years of age at study enrollment TICS-M score of 31 or lower Current or past diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment or dementias High-active (3 or more days of 30 minutes of structured exercise/week) Physician's non-consent to participate in VO2max testing and the exercise program Non-ambulatory (use of wheelchairs or walkers) Presence of health conditions that may be exacerbated by exercise Poor vision and hearing MRI contraindications (e.g. metal or implanted devices in the body) Left-handed Plans to travel outside of Champaign-Urbana area during the study

Given the pilot nature of the study and limited study outcomes, we do not expect to receive requests from other researchers to analyze our datasets. The primary and secondary outcomes and exploratory biomarker data will be published by the Investigative team.