Dual-task exercise to improve thinking, walking, and balance in mild cognitive impairment
Official title: Effectiveness of an Innovative Therapeutic Exercise Program on Physical and Cognitive Function in Mild Cognitive Impairment Due to Alzheimer's Disease
Run by University of Patras · NCT07334392 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will try a twice-weekly exercise program that pairs physical tasks with thinking tasks in people over 50 with amnestic mild cognitive impairment to see if it helps walking, balance, and cognition.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 50 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 45 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Patras Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Pátrai) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | August 30, 2026 |
| Study ends | November 30, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | January 12, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07334392 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are people aged over 50 with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MoCA >20), who walk independently, have stable medications, and can understand Greek.
✕Probably not a fit
People with dementia, major neurological disorders (e.g., Parkinson’s, MS), clinical depression, unstable medical status, recent surgery, or who cannot attend in-person sessions are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized, controlled trial compares an innovative multicomponent exercise program that emphasizes dual-task training with a therapeutic exercise program without dual-task emphasis and with an education-only control group. Participants attend supervised sessions twice weekly for three months and are tested before and after the intervention on gait, balance, and cognitive measures. Exercise intensity is monitored using the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion every two weeks to guide progression. The primary outcomes focus on changes in gait and balance, with secondary outcomes addressing global cognition and executive attention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could lead to improved walking speed and stability, better balance, and modest gains in attention and executive function for people with mild cognitive impairment.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies of aerobic, strength, and dual-task training in mild cognitive impairment have shown improvements in gait, balance, and some cognitive domains, though results across trials have been variable.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * individuals \> 50 years old * people with confirmed cognitive impairment, as evidenced by values within normal limits on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment test (MOCA ) \>20 * stable medication in the last month * independent walking Exclusion Criteria: * people with dementia * people suffering from chronic mental illness (e.g. schizophrenia, bipolar disorder) * people suffering from a neurological disorder or injuries (e.g. multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's, traumatic brain injury) * people with clinical depression (as determined by the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) assessment and medical diagnosis) * people who have had recent surgery * people with insufficient knowledge of the Greek language
Where it's running
-
Department of Physiotherapy, University of Patras
Pátrai, Greece Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Eftychia A Nastou
- Email: eutuxianastou@gmail.com
- Phone: +30 6948694966
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Remotely Delivered Pilates for MS: Walking, Balance, Fatigue, Mood and Quality of Life
A 16-week remote Pilates program will be tested to see if it helps walking, balance, fatigue, pain, mood, thinking, and quality of life for people with multiple sclerosis who can participate from home.
-
Observational study on Alzheimer's disease and cognitive health in older adults
This study is looking for older adults with and without memory problems to help researchers learn more about Alzheimer's disease and improve ways to prevent and treat it.
-
One-day exercise test to see how brain and body react in epilepsy, cognitive disorders, Parkinson's, dementia, and related conditions
A one-day study tests how an acute bout of exercise changes brain function and bodily signals in people with certain neurological conditions compared with healthy individuals.
-
Core muscle function and balance in people with leg amputations
This study tests how leg amputation affects core muscles and balance by comparing muscle thickness on the amputated side, the intact side, and healthy people using ultrasound.
-
Can the Ronnie Gardiner Method improve thinking and daily function in people with Parkinson’s
In this 10-week program, adults with Parkinson’s disease will try the Ronnie Gardiner Method to see if it helps thinking, talking, movement, balance, and quality of life.
-
Choose Myself (Before) Losing Myself
We’re testing an educational interactive booklet to help people with dementia or memory problems think about future medical decisions and start conversations with family or caregivers.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.