None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
Telomere shortening is one of the hallmarks of ageing and short telomeres are linked to a host of degenerative diseases (e.g. atherosclerosis, dementia, type 2 diabetes). Exercise training is associated with long telomeres, such that those who exercise regularly and individuals with high cardiorespiratory fitness typically possess longer leukocyte telomeres compared to their sedentary counterparts. Indeed, exercise training may preserve telomere length by up regulating an enzyme, namely telomerase. Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) is the major protein component and rate-limiting molecule of telomerase, and plays an important role in healthy ageing. Whilst exercise training seems to up-regulate TERT and telomerase activity, the optimal exercise prescription (e.g. intensity) that leads to increases in TERT are unclear. Therefore, we will determine the influence of a single bout of: 1) low intensity and moderate intensity aerobic training on white blood cell telomerase/TERT gene activity in young and older adults. The findings from the study will help us identify the whether exercise intensity (low versus moderate intensity) is associated with changes in white blood cell telomerase/TERT.
Interventions
This is a randomised crossover trial with 2 intervention arms:
Arm 1: A single 30-min bout of low-intensity (55% of estimated functional threshold power [FTP]) aerobic exercise (stationary cycling)
Arm 2: A single 30-min bout of moderate-intensity (85% of estimated FTP) aerobic exercise (stationary cycling)
There will be a minimum of 3 days and a maximum of 7 days between trial arms. Prior to the trial arms, participants will complete an incremental test to exhaustion on a stationary cycle ergo
This is a randomised crossover trial with 2 intervention arms: Arm 1: A single 30-min bout of low-intensity (55% of estimated functional threshold power [FTP]) aerobic exercise (stationary cycling) Arm 2: A single 30-min bout of moderate-intensity (85% of estimated FTP) aerobic exercise (stationary cycling) There will be a minimum of 3 days and a maximum of 7 days between trial arms. Prior to the trial arms, participants will complete an incremental test to exhaustion on a stationary cycle ergometer to assess their maximal aerobic fitness. Results from the incremental exercise test will be used to personalise the exercise intensity during the trial arms. All session will be supervised (face-to-face) by an Accredited Exercise Scientist (AES) (with Exercise and Sports Science Australia [ESSA]) and they will provide verbal encouragement/support as appropriate. AESs are experts in exercise testing and training individuals who are apparently healthy, who hold a minimum of a Bachelor degree. The study design will enable us to examine the influence of low versus moderate intensity exercise on hTERT gene expression and telomerase activity in humans. The exercises selected are typical training sessions that adhere to the National Physical Activity Guidelines.
Sponsors
University of Southern Queensland
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Crossover
Primary purpose
Prevention
Masking
Blinded (masking used) (Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to 80 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
1. Aged between 18-45 years; or 65-80 years 2. Free from cardiovascular disease. 3. Body mass index (BMI) <35 4. Free from any signs or symptoms of fever or upper respiratory tract infections. 5. Free from any musculoskeletal injuries or other conditions that would restrict the individual's ability to perform exercise safely. 6. Non-smoker
Exclusion criteria
1. Previous diagnosis of myocardial infarction, stroke or angina. 2. Vaccination for SARS-COV-2 within the past 1 month or scheduled SARS-COV-2 booster vaccine within the timeline of the trial. 3. Signs and symptoms of fever or respiratory infection within the past 2 weeks. 4. Body mass index (BMI) >35 5. Osteoporosis - bone mineral density (t-score) < -2.5 6. Severe depression, anxiety and/or stress according to the DASS; or diagnosis of psychotic disorder. 7. Currently taking medication for cancer or immunological disorder. 8. A musculoskeletal injury that inhibits the individual's ability to perform exercise safely. 9. Evidence of substance abuse (e.g. pharmaceuticals, alcohol or other narcotics)
Outcome results
None listed