EMBRACE: a virtual home exercise program for family caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease.
Official title: Caring for Caregivers of Individuals With Alzheimer's Disease- Promoting Virtual Home-based Exercise for Caregiver Wellbeing
Run by Indiana University · NCT07486037 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether a home-based virtual group exercise program can reduce depression and anxiety in African American family caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 99 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 25 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Indiana University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Indianapolis, Indiana) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | May 1, 2028 |
| Study ends | June 1, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | May 11, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07486037 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are English-speaking, self-identified African American adults who are primary unpaid caregivers for an adult with Alzheimer's disease or related dementia and who are medically cleared to exercise.
✕Probably not a fit
People who already meet recommended physical activity guidelines, have untreated severe psychiatric illness, or cannot safely exercise are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This Phase I randomized controlled trial will enroll English-speaking, self-identified African American adults who are primary unpaid caregivers for an adult with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia. Participants are randomly assigned to the EMBRACE intervention, which provides an at-home elliptical and virtual group exercise sessions, or to treatment as usual. The intervention delivers regular, supervised group exercise sessions by video over the study period and measures feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects on caregiver depression and anxiety. The remote, equipment-supported approach is designed to overcome barriers such as inability to leave the care recipient, transportation, and safety concerns.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could lower caregiver depression and anxiety by enabling regular home exercise with virtual group support.
How similar studies have gone: Exercise and some home-based or virtual exercise programs have improved mood in prior research, but this specific virtual group intervention tailored for African American dementia caregivers is relatively novel with limited prior testing.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Self-identifies as African American * Age 18 years or older * Primary unpaid caregiver for an adult living with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia (ADRD) * Able to read and speak English * Deemed sufficiently healthy to participate in exercise per the PAR-Q+ screening questionnaire * Has access to an email address Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed psychiatric illness * Untreated severe major depression * Currently receiving advanced cancer treatment or hospice care * Currently receiving dialysis * Severe hearing loss without hearing aids * Severe vision impairment without corrective eyeglasses * No access to a phone or email * Unable to safely exercise based on PAR-Q+ screening * Already meeting the recommended physical activity guidelines at the time of enrollment
Where it's running
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School of Health and Human Sciences
Indianapolis, Indiana, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Navin Kaushal, PhD, FACM,FAHA
- Email: nkaushal@iu.edu
- Phone: 317 278-9598
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.