Exercise program for children born prematurely to improve heart health and cognitive function
Official title: Exercise in Prematurely Born Preadolescents to Mitigate Cardiovascular Risk and Improve Cognitive Impairment
Run by University of Basel · NCT06500910 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether a fun exercise program can help improve heart health and thinking skills in children aged 6 to 12 who were born prematurely.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 6 Years to 12 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Basel Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Basel, Canton of Basel-City) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 12, 2024 |
| Main results expected | August 12, 2025 |
| Study ends | August 12, 2025 |
| Registry record updated | May 30, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06500910 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are boys and girls aged 6 to 12 years who were born prematurely at or before the 32nd week of gestation.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with significant motor disabilities, chronic eye disorders, or those receiving treatment for mental disorders may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This trial, known as EXCELSIOR, investigates the impact of a structured physical exercise program on cardiovascular health and cognitive function in children who were born prematurely. Participants aged 6 to 12 years will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group, which will engage in a child-friendly exercise program, or a control group that will receive general lifestyle recommendations. The study aims to assess the effectiveness of exercise in mitigating cardiovascular risks associated with premature birth. All participants will undergo evaluations of their vascular, cognitive, and cardiopulmonary functions before and after the 10-week intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved cardiovascular health and cognitive outcomes for children born prematurely.
How similar studies have gone: While there is limited research specifically on exercise for this population, similar studies have shown positive outcomes in improving health through physical activity in children.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Boys and girls born prematurely (\<= 32th week of gestation) * aged 6 to 12 years * informed consent provided Exclusion Criteria: * attendance of special education services related to attention disorders * colour blindness or any chronic eye disorder * being under pharmacological treatment for any mental disorder * injuries, significant motor- or other disabilities which prohibit the participation in physical exercise * visually provoked epilepsy * children for whom no informed consent is provided
Where it's running
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Bereich Sport- und Bewegungsmedizin, Abteilung Präventive Sportmedizin & Systemphysiologie
Basel, Canton of Basel-City, Switzerland Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Holger Burchert, PhD — University of Basel
- Study coordinator: Henner Hanssen, Prof. Dr.
- Email: henner.hanssen@unibas.ch
- Phone: +41 61 207 47 46
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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.