MoTrPAC

Molecular Transducers of Physical Activity in Humans

MoTrPAC is a national research consortium designed to discover and perform preliminary characterization of the range of molecular transducers (the "molecular map") that underlie the effects of physical activity in humans. The program's goal is to study the molecular changes that occur during and after exercise and ultimately to advance the understanding of how physical activity improves and preserves health. The six-year program is the largest targeted NIH investment of funds into the mechanisms of how physical activity improves health and prevents disease.

Funding: The MoTrPAC program is supported by the NIH Common Fund and is managed by a trans-agency working group representing multiple NIH institutes and centers, led by the NIH Office of Strategic Coordination, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institute on Aging, and National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering.
ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03960827

ACES Trial

Antihypertensives Combined with Exercise for Seniors with Hypertension

The purpose of this project is to conduct a randomized, controlled trial (RCT) to determine if choice of antihypertensive medication influences changes in functional status and other cardiovascular risk factors among older persons with hypertension. Sedentary men and women > 60 years of age with functional limitations and hypertension will be recruited from two sites to participate in a longitudinal intervention trial. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three first-line antihypertensive agents and participate in a structured aerobic exercise intervention. This study is expected to differentiate beneficial effects of three FDA-approved antihypertensive medications on established and emerging cardiovascular risk factors in a clinically-relevant population.

Funding: NIH R01AG056769
Principal Investigators: Thomas Buford, PhD; Wendy Kohrt, PhD; Bret Goodpaster, PhD
Institutions: UAB, University of Colorado and Translational Research Institute, Advent Health.

Exercise for Memory Rehabilitation in Epilepsy

The purpose of this study is to determine how effective a 6-week exercise program is for improving memory compared to a no-intervention control group, investigate the brain changes that may be responsible for memory improvements, and determine if the memory benefits and brain changes are retained 6 weeks after completing the exercise intervention in people with Idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE).

Funding: NIH
Principal Investigator: Jane Allendorfer, PhD
ClinicalTrials.gov identifier:  NCT04959019