Hula-based intervention for improving cognitive health in Native Hawaiians
Natives Engaged in Alzheimers Research - 'Ike Kupuna (Elder Wisdom) Project
This study is testing if a year of hula dancing can help improve thinking skills and overall health in Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders aged 50-75 who have mild memory issues.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 192 (estimated) |
| Ages | 50 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Hawaii Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Honolulu, Hawaii and 2 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05534607 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study conducts a group randomized trial to evaluate the effects of a hula-based intervention on vascular risk factors and cognitive function in Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders aged 50-75 with mild cognitive impairment or subjective cognitive impairment. Participants will engage in hula activities over 12 months, with outcomes measured including cognitive performance, physical function, and mental health. The study utilizes a wait-list control design to compare results between intervention and control groups.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are Native Hawaiians or other Pacific Islanders aged 50-75 with mild cognitive impairment or subjective cognitive impairment and at least one modifiable vascular risk factor.
Not a fit: Patients with a clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or severe depression, or those already practicing hula regularly, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could improve cognitive health and reduce vascular risk factors in older Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using culturally relevant physical activities to improve cognitive health, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. self-reported Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander ancestry; 2. ages 50+ but not older than 75 (optimal age range for preventing future dementia in people with cognitive impairment, above 75 is not likely to benefit from this study given their advance age); 3. has subjective cognitive impairment (SCI) or mild cognitive impairment (MCI); 4. have a diagnosis of hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, or obesity (body-mass-index ≥ 30 kg/m2); 5. physically able and willing to engage in moderate physical activity necessary for Hula; and 6. physician's approval to participate in moderate physical activity Exclusion Criteria: 1. currently pregnant; 2. already actively practicing Hula at least once per week; or 3. clinical diagnosis of ADRD (mild to severe); or 4. current diagnosed major depressive disorder at moderate or greater stage, or moderate or greater depression on the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D).
Where this trial is running
Honolulu, Hawaii and 2 other locations
- Kula No Na Po'e — Honolulu, Hawaii, United States (Recruiting)
- Kokua Kalihi Valley — Honolulu, Hawaii, United States (Recruiting)
- Hui No Ke Ola Pono — Wailuku, Hawaii, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Joseph K Kaholokula, PhD — University of Hawaii
- Study coordinator: Janice K Worthington, MPH
- Email: ikekupuna@gmail.com
- Phone: 8086921023
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.