Do you have an interest in weights training? We are looking for healthy research participants to partake in a 12-week resistance training program in 40 to 70 year olds.

Nature and Purpose of the Study

There is limited research using exercise as a preventative strategy for the development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and decline in brain health, indicating the need for further studies to determine the optimal type and amount of exercise necessary to benefit the brain. The foundations for a healthy brain are laid decades prior to the onset of any signs of decline in function, thus preventative measures need to be targeted at individuals between 40 to 70 years old.

The proposed study will investigate the influence of short-term resistance training over 12 weeks on memory and cognitive ability, brain blood flow, brain oxygen content, muscle function, body composition and blood components important to brain and vascular health in individuals aged 40 to 70.

Eligibility Criteria

Since this research requires completion of exercise bouts at moderate to high intensities, we are looking for a specific population group to participate in this study. These include:

1. Male or female participants between the ages of 40 and 70
2. Considered low to moderate risk for moderate to intense exercise as per Exercise and Sports Science Australia risk stratification

You may be ineligible if you:

1. Have more than two risk factors in the Exercise and Sports Science Australia pre-exercise screening tool questionnaire
2. Present with chronic musculoskeletal disease or injury
3. Show signs of mild cognitive impairment or dementia
4. Are a current smoker
5. Are currently taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor medication (Citalopram [Celexa], Escitalopram [Lexapro], Fluoxetine [Prozac], Paroxetine [Paxil, Pexeva] or Sertraline [Zoloft])
6. Have a history of neurological disease
7. Are currently partaking in regular resistance training.

Questions

If you would like to discuss any aspect of this study please feel free to contact Kieran Marston on ph 0433 972 216 or via email at K.Marston@murdoch.edu.au. We would like to thank you in advance for your assistance with this research project, and look forward to hearing from you soon.