Effects of 6 months of resistance training on brain and muscle health in older adults with mild cognitive impairment

The Impact of 6-months of Resistance Training on Intrinsic Capacity, Cognition, and Brain/Circulating Biomarkers of Neuroplasticity and Neuroinflammation in Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment: a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Not applicable Interventional Lithuanian Sports University · NCT06252844

This study tests if a 6-month strength training program can help older adults with mild cognitive impairment improve their brain and muscle health.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages65 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorLithuanian Sports University Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Kaunas and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06252844 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the impact of a 6-month progressive resistance training program on brain and muscle health in older adults diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Participants will engage in supervised resistance training sessions, while their cognitive and physical abilities will be assessed through various tests and imaging techniques at baseline, 3 months, and at the end of the intervention. The study aims to determine whether this form of exercise can mitigate neurodegenerative processes and improve overall health outcomes in this population. An active control group will also be included for comparison, undergoing flexibility training instead.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are community-dwelling individuals aged 65 and older who are sedentary or engage in minimal recreational activities and have a MoCA score between 18 and 25.

Not a fit: Patients under 65 years old or those with significant cognitive impairment (MoCA scores below 18 or above 25) or serious health conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could help delay or prevent the progression of cognitive decline in older adults with MCI.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that physical exercise can effectively prevent cognitive decline, suggesting potential success for this intervention.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Male and female 65+ years old,
* Community-dwelling,
* Sedentary (not engaged in any structured activity for exercise) or non-sedentary individuals who engaged in mild recreational activities for less than 150 min/week.
* A score of 18 to 25 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) with or without a diagnosis of MCI. The diagnosis of MCI will be confirmed by a qualified mental health care specialist at the screening evaluation according to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) and the Petersen criteria (Petersen et al, 2014).
* Fluent in Lithuanian.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Age \< 65 years.
* MoCA ≥ 26 or MoCA \< 18,
* Symptomatic heart or cardiopulmonary disorders, diabetes, diagnosis of renal/hepatic disease, oncology, brain injury, diagnosis of neurologic, psychiatric, or musculoskeletal diseases.
* Physical or orthopedic conditions (rheumatic symptoms, chronic pain, fractures, acute muscle injuries) that limit the subject's ability to participate in the training program.
* Moderate to severe intake of alcohol (intake of 3 drinks or more/day for men and 2 drink or more/day for women).
* Current smoker
* Intake of drugs or psychiatric medications.
* Contraindications to perform MRI (e.g., claustrophobia, cardiac pacemaker, internal pacing wires, metal implants, etc.).
* Body mass index (BMI) \> 35 kg/m2 or body weight \> 130 kg.
* Participation in routine exercise or physical activities (IPAQ).

Where this trial is running

Kaunas and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Mild Cognitive ImpairmentOlder Adults at High Risk for MCIMagnetic resonance imagingProton magnetic resonance spectroscopyIntrinsic capacityMobilityBlood biomarkerscytokines
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.