AMPLIFI: Adaptive Modulation of Plasticity Through Lactate and Fitness Interventions

Participants cycle on a stationary ergometer at an intensity prescribed to reach their lactate threshold, guided by VO2 max results and lactate sampling. The session lasts approximately 20 minutes and is preceded and followed by TMS assessments and a structured motor learning task. This condition is designed to evaluate the effect of exercise-induced metabolic stress on cortical inhibition and motor learning.

Participants perform 20 minutes of cycling at a light workload below their lactate threshold. Exercise intensity is individualized using heart rate and perceived exertion (Borg RPE scale), avoiding significant metabolic activation. TMS and motor learning are assessed pre- and post-exercise. This condition serves as an active comparator to assess the impact of exercise intensity.

Participants receive a 20-minute session of health education content (e.g., wellness, healthy aging). No exercise is performed. Participants undergo TMS and motor learning testing before and after the session. This condition is used to control for attention and cognitive engagement without physical activity.