Enhancing physical performance through cognitive training
Neurocognitive Optimization and Enhancement for Brain Health and Performance
This study is testing a new training program that combines mental exercises with physical workouts to see if it can help soldiers perform better under stress.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 66 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) Federal |
| Locations | 1 site (Tacoma, Washington) |
| Trial ID | NCT04863469 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Brain-Physical Optimization Conditioning (B-POC) aims to improve physical performance by integrating cognitive endurance training with traditional physical training. The study focuses on understanding neurocognitive mechanisms that affect performance under stress, particularly during high physical or cognitive loads. Participants will engage in mentally fatiguing tasks while performing aerobic exercises to optimize their endurance. This innovative approach seeks to strengthen cognitive capacity in active duty soldiers, potentially leading to enhanced overall performance.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy active duty soldiers aged 18-40 who can commit to the study duration.
Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit include those with physical limitations preventing intense aerobic exercise or those with impaired cognitive function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve the physical performance of soldiers by enhancing their cognitive endurance.
How similar studies have performed: While the integration of cognitive training with physical performance is a novel approach, similar studies have shown promising results in enhancing cognitive capacity and performance.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Healthy active duty Soldiers * 18-40 years old * Available for study duration Exclusion Criteria: * Failure of an Army Physical Fitness/Combat Test (APFT/ACFT) test * On a physical profile that prevents them from 1) engaging in intense aerobic exercise, 2) running on a treadmill, 3) riding the stationary bike, and 4) performing a cognitive task on a computer screen. * Medically non-deployable * Impaired cognitive function due to medication, injury or illness, * Have been advised by a medical professional not to engage in aerobic exercise * Are a pregnant female
Where this trial is running
Tacoma, Washington
- Medical Research Directorate - West — Tacoma, Washington, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Brad Fawver, PhD
- Email: bradley.j.fawver.civ@mail.mil
- Phone: 253-968-4878
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.