Cognitive training to help middle-aged adults stick to exercise
Targeting Cognitive Control to Improve Physical Activity Adherence in Midlife for Alzheimer's Risk Reduction
This study tests if a new brain training program can help middle-aged adults stick to their exercise routines better.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 264 (estimated) |
| Ages | 40 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Iowa Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Iowa City, Iowa and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06338774 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are middle-aged adults aged 40 to 65 who are currently classified as 'Low Active' and are cleared for exercise by their primary care physician.
Not a fit: Patients with significant hearing or visual impairments, or those deemed 'high risk' for exercise-related complications, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve physical activity adherence among middle-aged adults, leading to better health outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using cognitive training to enhance physical activity adherence, suggesting this approach may be effective.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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 this trial is running
Iowa City, Iowa and 1 other locations
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.