Pedal power: could indoor cycling delay Alzheimer's in At-Risk seniors?
NCT ID NCT04748861
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Aug 13, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study looks at whether long-term, high-intensity indoor cycling can slow or delay Alzheimer's-related brain changes in healthy older adults (ages 65-80) who carry the APOE ε4 gene, a known risk factor. Participants, who are currently inactive, will use a Peloton bike at home. Researchers will measure memory, brain volume, and fitness to see if exercise makes a difference.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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150 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Oct 2021
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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65 to 80 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Healthy elders, ages 65-80 years, inclusive 2. No cognitive impairment based on screening examination 3. APOE ε4 genotype 4. Inactive; defined as exercising less than 3x per week at moderate-vigorous intensity 5. Fluent in English (a requirement for neurocognitive testing) 6. Does not plan to travel for more than 2 consecutive weeks over the course of the study 7. Demonstrate ability to safely mount and dismount Peloton stationary cycle 8. In-home Wi-Fi (Peloton system requires Wi-Fi to transmit exercise data) 9. Medical clearance by the study doctor to participate in exercise program 10. Participant must meet Peloton height and weight safety requirements Exclusion Criteria: 1. Any significant neurologic disease, including dementia, mild cognitive impairment, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, normal pressure hydrocephalus, brain tumor, progressive supranuclear palsy, seizure disorder, subdural hematoma, stroke, multiple sclerosis, or history of significant head trauma with a reported loss of consciousness for greater than 30 minutes. 2. Significant medical illnesses/conditions that is unstable and/or uncontrolled (lung or kidney disease, cancer). 3. History of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. 4. Major Depression within the past year. 5. History of alcohol or substance abuse or dependence within the past 2 years. 6. Current use of Alzheimer's disease medications, including cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine. 7. Any unstable or severe cardiovascular disease or asthmatic condition. 8. History of imaging confirmed transient ischemic attack or a score of \>4 on the modified Hachinski ischemic scale. 9. Significant abnormalities in laboratory blood tests that is considered to be a contraindication to exercise. 10. Exclusion criteria specific to MR scanning (weight inappropriate for height, ferrous objects within the body, pregnancy, and a history of claustrophobia). 11. A musculoskeletal issue (arthritis, osteoporosis, back problem) that would limit one's ability to engage in exercise
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Cleveland Clinic
Cleveland, Ohio, 44195, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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