Exercise may sharpen aging brains and hearts in hypertension study

NCT ID NCT01341145

First seen Jul 13, 2026 · Last updated Jul 14, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study investigates whether a 12-week moderate aerobic exercise program can improve brain function, cardiovascular health, and cognition in sedentary adults aged 45-65 with borderline or stage 1 hypertension. Participants are randomly assigned to either aerobic exercise or a progressive muscle relaxation program. The researchers use brain scans and memory tests to measure changes, aiming to understand how physical activity might protect the aging brain.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance
Aerobic exercise program
What this could lead to
If successful, this could show that moderate aerobic exercise boosts brain function and cardiovascular health in middle-aged adults with high blood pressure.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-stage study with only 41 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The relaxation group serves as a control, and benefits may be modest.

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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

  • University of Texas at Austin

    Austin, Texas, 78712, United States

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