Effects of exercise on cognition in adults with childhood trauma

Exercise and Cognition in Middle-Aged Adults With Histories of Childhood Trauma and Cognitive Complaints

NA · University of Texas at Austin · NCT05972265

This study is testing whether different types of exercise can help improve thinking skills in middle-aged adults who faced abuse or neglect as children.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment34 (estimated)
Ages40 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Texas at Austin (other)
Locations1 site (Austin, Texas)
Trial IDNCT05972265 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates how different types of exercise, both acute and chronic, affect cognitive function in middle-aged adults who have experienced abuse or neglect during childhood. Participants will undergo a series of assessments and exercise interventions over a period of up to 78 days, including neuropsychological testing and symptom measures. The study aims to compare the effects of moderate intensity exercise against a placebo of light intensity exercise to determine the most beneficial approach for improving cognitive complaints.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 40 to 60 with a history of childhood abuse or neglect and cognitive complaints.

Not a fit: Patients with significant neurocognitive disorders or those currently engaging in high levels of physical activity may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to effective exercise-based interventions that improve cognitive function in adults with a history of childhood trauma.

How similar studies have performed: While there is ongoing research into the effects of exercise on cognitive function, this specific approach targeting adults with childhood trauma is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* between 40 and 60 years of age
* history of child abuse or neglect
* have a complaint about memory, attention, or executive function
* native or fluent English speaker
* normal or corrected to normal vision and hearing
* medically healthy

Exclusion Criteria:

* Score indicating a history of moderate-intensity activity, hard-intensity activity, or very-hard intensity activity on the Stanford Brief Activity Survey
* current excessive alcohol or other substance use
* eating disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, or those judged to be an immediate suicide risk based on having an active plan with intent
* autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or other neurodevelopmental disorder
* neurocognitive disorder, or illnesses or history of neurological events known to cause neurocognitive disorders (e.g., traumatic brain injury, status epilepticus, stroke)
* reported chest pain or dizziness during exercise; any endorsed and not controlled medical condition that could make exercise contraindicated, including hypertension; heart disease; heart failure; hear rhythm disorders; heart valve disease; metabolic conditions; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; pulmonary hypertension; cystic fibrosis; asthma; and bone, joint, or soft tissue problems
* pregnancy, major medical disorders such as cancer, or any other condition believed to put a participant at risk

Where this trial is running

Austin, Texas

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Adverse Childhood Experiences

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.