Cognitive training to help middle-aged adults stick to exercise

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This trial aims to develop and evaluate cognitive training strategies designed to enhance self-regulatory skills in middle-aged adults, promoting adherence to physical activity. Participants will undergo a 6-week home-based cognitive training program followed by a supervised aerobic exercise regimen. The study will assess the psychological, physiological, cognitive, and sociodemographic factors influencing the effectiveness of cognitive control on physical activity adherence. Participants will be screened for eligibility and will complete various assessments before and after the interventions.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Between the ages of 40 and 65 years old
* Full-time working status of an average of 35 hrs./week or more
* Scoring as "Low Active" by the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)
* Eligible to participate in an aerobic exercise intervention based on the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire
* Approval from their Primary Care Physician for approval to participate in the prescribed training program
* Corrected vision of 20/40
* Fluent in English to ensure instructions for cognitive assessments and training are understood clearly

Exclusion Criteria:

* Impairments in hearing inhibiting the ability to discuss study instructions or directions
* Visual impairments that prevent the perception of color, or loss of sight in the visual field
* Qualify as "high risk" for exercise-induced adverse events by American College of Sports Medicine criteria will be excluded, which includes known or symptomatic chronic cardiovascular or metabolic disease
* Not fluent in English
* Inability to comply with experimental instructions or access a tablet or computer to complete computerized training
* Previous diagnosis of a neurological or psychiatric condition, including diagnosis with any of the following: major depression, Attention Deficit Disorder or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, meningitis, Parkinson's disease, stroke, Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), or brain aneurysm surgery.
* Previous diagnosis of a heart condition, cardiovascular disease, or a recent cardiovascular event (such as high blood pressure or cholesterol) that would increase the risk for an adverse event in response to vigorous exercise, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), uncontrolled asthma (this includes anyone who has asthma but is not on medication.
* Previous diagnosis of a chronic condition such as cystic fibrosis, unregulated thyroid disorder (this includes anyone with thyroid disease that is not on medication), untreated diabetes, renal or liver disease, heart murmur, arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat.
* Previous brain surgery or injury associated with concussion or loss of consciousness that required rehabilitation or caregiver assistance to regain function (i.e., dressing/personal hygiene)
* Previous diagnosis of Alzheimer\'s or related dementias
* Current or previous cancer treatments within the last 6 months
* Pregnant or trying to get pregnant

Where it's running

• Psychological and Brain Sciences Building
  Iowa City, Iowa, United States Recruiting
• Center for Cognitive and Brain Health
  Boston, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Michelle W Voss, PhD
• Email: michelle-voss@uiowa.edu
• Phone: 319-335-2057

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.