AMPLIFI: Adaptive Modulation of Plasticity Through Lactate and Fitness Interventions
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Summary
The AMPLIFI study (Adaptive Modulation of Plasticity through Lactate and Fitness Interventions) investigates how short-term aerobic exercise influences brain plasticity and learning in older adults and stroke survivors. The study compares three groups: one performing aerobic cycling at an intensity that elevates lactate levels, one performing low-intensity exercise, and one receiving health education without exercise. All participants will complete motor learning tasks and undergo brain-stimulation testing using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to assess how well the brain responds to training. The goal is to understand whether different types of exercise can improve brain function, movement, and memory, and how the body's response to exercise (like lactate levels) might support brain health. This research may help identify low-cost, non-invasive interventions-such as targeted exercise-that improve motor and cognitive outcomes in aging and stroke recovery.
Description
The AMPLIFI study is a mechanistic clinical trial designed to investigate the neurophysiological effects of acute aerobic exercise on cortical plasticity and motor learning in older adults and individuals with chronic stroke. Participants are randomized into one of three groups: (1) moderate-to-high intensity aerobic exercise at lactate threshold, (2) moderate intensity aerobic exercise, (3) low-intensity aerobic exercise, or (4) education-only control. The primary outcome measure is cortical inhibition, assessed using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) measures including short-interval…