Effects of exercise and meditation on brain function in middle-aged and older adults

Effects of an Integrated Intervention Program on Neurocognition in Late-Middle-Aged and Older Adults Relative to ApoE Genotypes: An ERP Study

This study is testing whether a 6-month program of exercise, meditation, and social interaction can improve brain function in adults aged 45-70 compared to an online education group.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 120 (estimated)
• Ages: 45 Years to 70 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: National Taiwan Normal University (other)
• Drugs / interventions: chemotherapy
• Locations: 2 sites (Taipei City and 1 other locations)
• Trial ID: NCT05101174 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the impact of a 6-month integrated intervention program that combines various exercise modalities, meditation, and social interaction on neurocognitive function in adults aged 45-70. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group, which engages in structured exercise sessions, or a control group that receives educational content online. The study will also explore how different apolipoprotein E genotypes and brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels may influence the outcomes. Assessments will be conducted at the beginning and end of the intervention to measure changes in cognitive function and related biomarkers.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy adults aged 45-70 who can engage in moderate-intensity exercise and have no significant cognitive or physical impairments.

Not a fit: Patients with diagnosed cognitive issues, major psychiatric illnesses, or significant physical diseases may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance cognitive function and overall brain health in middle-aged and older adults.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results in improving cognitive function through exercise and integrated interventions, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Normal or corrected-to-normal vision
* Able to speak and read Chinese
* Scores of Mini-Mental Status Examination \>= 25
* Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire score \< 0
* Able to conduct the exercise with moderate intensity
* Provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosed or self-reported cognitive problems (e.g., mild cognitive impairment or dementia)
* Diagnosed or self-reported physical disease (e.g., untreated hypertension and chronic heart disease, stroke, brain tumor, musculoskeletal disorders, other exercise contradictions)
* Diagnosed or self-reported major psychiatric illness (e.g., major depression, schizophrenia)
* Diagnosed or self-reported neurodegenerative disease (e.g., Alzheimer's disease or other dementias, Parkinson's disease (PD) and PD-related disorders, Huntington's disease)
* History of alcohol or drug abuse
* History of chemotherapy
* Traveling consecutively for three weeks or more during the study
* Unwillingness to be randomized to one of the two groups
* Currently participating in another study trial

Where this trial is running

Taipei City and 1 other locations

• Yu-Kai Normal Chang — Taipei City, Taiwan (RECRUITING)
• Yu-Kai Chang — Taipei, Taiwan (NOT_YET_RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Yu-Kai Chang, PhD — Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, National Taiwan Normal University
• Study coordinator: Yu-Kai Chang, PhD

Conditions: Exercise Training, Neurocognitive Function, Aging, physical fitness, meditation, social interaction, Apolipoprotein E, aging