Exercise program to improve memory in people with epilepsy
Exercise for Memory Rehabilitation in Epilepsy
This study is testing if a 6-week exercise program can help improve memory in adults with epilepsy.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 114 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 55 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Alabama at Birmingham Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Birmingham, Alabama) |
| Trial ID | NCT04959019 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a 6-week supervised exercise program that combines endurance and resistance training for improving memory in adults with idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE). Participants will be randomly assigned to either the exercise group or a no-intervention control group. The study will also investigate the brain changes associated with memory improvements using neuroimaging techniques. Additionally, the researchers will assess whether the memory benefits and brain changes persist for six weeks after the exercise intervention ends.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18-55 with a clinician-confirmed diagnosis of idiopathic generalized epilepsy and limited physical activity.
Not a fit: Patients with significant comorbid medical conditions or those who engage in regular physical activity may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to new non-pharmacological strategies for memory rehabilitation in patients with epilepsy.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with exercise interventions for cognitive improvement, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * males and females * ages 18-55 years old * speaks English fluently * able to provide written informed consent * have no contraindications to 3-Telsa MRI * clinician-confirmed diagnosis of IGE (IGE includes epilepsy syndromes such as juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, juvenile absence epilepsy, childhood absence epilepsy, and generalized tonic-clonic seizures alone) * relatively healthy with no comorbid medical conditions besides epilepsy * normal pre-enrollment structural clinical MRI of the brain (if available) * no more than 4 seizure days/month in past 6 months * having less than the American Heart Association recommendation of physical activity in adults (at least 30 min moderate-intensity aerobic activity at least 5 days/week (150 min total), or at least 25 min vigorous aerobic activity at least 3 days/week (75 min total) and moderate-/high-intensity muscle strengthening activity at least 2 days/week) Exclusion Criteria: * underlying degenerative or metabolic disorders * abnormal general or neurological examination * abnormal brain MRI * recent suicidal ideation in the last 3 months determined based on previous medical history * pregnant or positive pregnancy test result on the day of the research session * contraindication to an MRI scan at 3-Telsa * mental handicap (FSIQ\<80 if tested) or history of special education * \>4 seizure days/month in past 6 months * concurrent participation in a different intervention study * diseased or enlarged heart or blood vessels determined based on previous medical history * high blood pressure that is not controlled by medications * meeting the American Heart Association recommendation of physical activity in adults * abnormal physical examination in which study physician determines subject should not participate in the exercise intervention
Where this trial is running
Birmingham, Alabama
- University of Alabama at Birmingham — Birmingham, Alabama, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jane B. Allendorfer, Ph.D. — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Anna Moyana, B.S.
- Email: amoyana@uabmc.edu
- Phone: 1-205-975-8446
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.