AMPLIFI: Adaptive Modulation of Plasticity Through Lactate and Fitness Interventions

Description

The AMPLIFI study is a mechanistic clinical trial designed to investigate the neurophysiological effects of acute aerobic exercise on cortical plasticity and motor learning in older adults and individuals with chronic stroke. Participants are randomized into one of three groups: (1) moderate-to-high intensity aerobic exercise at lactate threshold, (2) low-intensity aerobic exercise, or (3) education-only control. A crossover component allows each participant to undergo both exercise and motor learning-only conditions on separate days, with condition order randomized.

The primary outcome measure is cortical inhibition, assessed using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) measures including short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI), long-interval intracortical inhibition (LICI), and intracortical facilitation (ICF). Secondary outcomes include performance on upper extremity motor tasks, measures of verbal and executive function, and blood lactate levels.

Participants complete five sessions over 2-3 weeks, including baseline assessments, VO2 max testing, multiple blood draws, and cognitive and motor testing. The exercise intervention is delivered via stationary cycling at intensities tailored using individual VO2 max data and lactate monitoring. Genetic and biochemical assays will be performed on blood samples to explore associations between metabolic and neural response.

This study will clarify how lactate-related exercise intensity impacts cortical inhibition and whether those effects support improvements in motor learning. Findings may help define the mechanisms by which exercise promotes neuroplasticity and support individualized rehabilitation strategies for aging and post-stroke populations.