Dual-task exercise to improve thinking, walking, and balance in mild cognitive impairment
Effectiveness of an Innovative Therapeutic Exercise Program on Physical and Cognitive Function in Mild Cognitive Impairment Due to Alzheimer's Disease
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 45 (estimated) |
| Ages | 50 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Patras Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Pátrai) |
| Trial ID | NCT07334392 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Pátrai
- Department of Physiotherapy, University of Patras — Pátrai, Greece (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Eftychia A Nastou
- Email: eutuxianastou@gmail.com
- Phone: +30 6948694966
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.