Faculty Mentor

Dr. Nicholas Siekirk

Location

Russell Union Ballroom

Type of Research

Proposed

Session Format

Poster Presentation

College

Waters College of Health Professions

Department

Kinesiology

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Cognitive decline, prevalent in Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD), heightens fall risk. Exercise interventions can reduce fall risk by slowing or delaying cognitive decline. Use of multi-waveform neuromuscular electrical stimulation (MWF-NMES) as an exercise adjunct may enhance neuroplasticity in areas associated with postural control. Whether NMES can improve postural control outcomes is not well-documented. Therefore, we will examine the effect of multi-waveform NMES on postural control in adults at risk for ADRD. METHODS: Participants will be recruited from an assisted living community in Southeast Georgia. Interested participants who meet the inclusion criterion will be stratified by sex and by presence of APOE variant ε1-4 status and randomly assigned to either the [1] Active MWF-NMES, or [2] Active + Passive MWF-NMES intervention group. Static weight distribution (SWD%), center of pressure sway (COP), and limits of stability (LOS) will be obtained pre- and post-10-week intervention with the BTrackS system (Balance Tracking Systems, San Diego, CA). Timed Up and Go (TUG) time and Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) distance will also be reported. Separate 2 x 2 linear mixed models will examine SWD%, COP path length, LOS total area (cm2), TUG time, 6MWT distance, for interactions between time and group while controlling for baseline, α = 0.05. ANTICIPATED RESULTS: We anticipate improvement in postural control, as indicated by increased SWD symmetry, reduced COP path length, and greater LOS area, reduced TUG time, and increased 6WMT across both groups, with the additional Passive MWF-NMES group yielding a greater magnitude of change. Funding Acknowledgment: Rockin’ Out Alzheimer’s Disease Foundation Grant (ID#3915).

Program Description

.

DOI

10.20429/GS4.2026.023

Start Date

4-23-2026 2:00 PM

End Date

4-23-2026 4:00 PM

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Apr 23rd, 2:00 PM Apr 23rd, 4:00 PM

Effects of Exercise and Neuromuscular Stimulation on Neuroplasticity and Inflammation in Those With Dementia Risk

Russell Union Ballroom

BACKGROUND: Cognitive decline, prevalent in Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD), heightens fall risk. Exercise interventions can reduce fall risk by slowing or delaying cognitive decline. Use of multi-waveform neuromuscular electrical stimulation (MWF-NMES) as an exercise adjunct may enhance neuroplasticity in areas associated with postural control. Whether NMES can improve postural control outcomes is not well-documented. Therefore, we will examine the effect of multi-waveform NMES on postural control in adults at risk for ADRD. METHODS: Participants will be recruited from an assisted living community in Southeast Georgia. Interested participants who meet the inclusion criterion will be stratified by sex and by presence of APOE variant ε1-4 status and randomly assigned to either the [1] Active MWF-NMES, or [2] Active + Passive MWF-NMES intervention group. Static weight distribution (SWD%), center of pressure sway (COP), and limits of stability (LOS) will be obtained pre- and post-10-week intervention with the BTrackS system (Balance Tracking Systems, San Diego, CA). Timed Up and Go (TUG) time and Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) distance will also be reported. Separate 2 x 2 linear mixed models will examine SWD%, COP path length, LOS total area (cm2), TUG time, 6MWT distance, for interactions between time and group while controlling for baseline, α = 0.05. ANTICIPATED RESULTS: We anticipate improvement in postural control, as indicated by increased SWD symmetry, reduced COP path length, and greater LOS area, reduced TUG time, and increased 6WMT across both groups, with the additional Passive MWF-NMES group yielding a greater magnitude of change. Funding Acknowledgment: Rockin’ Out Alzheimer’s Disease Foundation Grant (ID#3915).