Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences

The effects of age and exercise on brain blood vessel health

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Initial research has shown that as we age function of the arteries feeding the brain declines, and reductions in brain blood flow and cognitive function occur.

Research has also shown that exercise may promote healthy brain ageing, but we currently do not know how. This study will look at the function of arteries feeding the brain at rest and during handgrip exercise in adults.

If we can understand how brain blood flow regulation changes across the lifespan, and how to improve blood flow to the brain with acute exercise in adults, in the future we may be able to use exercise to trigger positive adaptations to the health of the arteries feeding the brain. This includes understanding the dose and intensity of exercise to trigger positive adaptations.

These assessments will be conducted at the School of Human Movements and Nutritional Sciences at UQ’s St Lucia campus.

Participant benefits:

As part of this study, you will receive:

  • a full assessment of your blood pressure
  • an ultrasound assessment of the structure and function of the vessels within the brain
  • an assessment of nerve activity, which is an important regulator of your blood pressure
  • free parking at the University for your visits to the laboratory.

This study only requires 3-4 hours of your time, where you will gain a lot of insight into brain health and your cardiovascular function.

Eligibility:

  • Aged 19-90 years of age
  • Have a BMI <35
  • Not currently taking any anti-hypertensive medications
  • Do not have a history of cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart attack and stroke), or other diagnosed cardiovascular disease (e.g. angina, coronary heart disease, carotid artery stenosis).

Register your interest:

Email: j.koep@uq.edu.au

This study has been approved by The University of Queensland Human Research Ethics Committee [Approval No. 2019001863]