Improving cognitive function in older adults after stem cell transplant

Promoting Physical Activity to Improve Cognitive Function in Older Adults Undergoing Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation

Not applicable Interventional University of Nebraska · NCT04898790

This study is testing if a special exercise program can help older adults who had a stem cell transplant think better and improve their brain health.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment88 (estimated)
Ages19 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Nebraska Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Omaha, Nebraska)
Trial IDNCT04898790 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to enhance cognitive function in older adults who have undergone hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) for hematological malignancies. It will adapt and test the Community Health Activities Model Program for Seniors II (CHAMPS II), an evidence-based physical activity intervention, specifically for adults aged 60 and older in the HCT setting. The study will involve semi-structured interviews with patients to assess their experiences and needs related to cognitive health. By increasing physical activity, the study hypothesizes that cognitive function can be improved in this vulnerable population, addressing a significant gap in post-transplant care.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 60 years and older who have been diagnosed with a hematological malignancy and have received a stem cell transplant within the past 3-6 months.

Not a fit: Patients who are younger than 60 years or have not undergone a stem cell transplant may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve cognitive function and quality of life for older adults recovering from stem cell transplants.

How similar studies have performed: While similar interventions have shown success in improving cognitive function in other cancer populations, this specific approach in older adults undergoing HCT is novel and untested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Arm 1:

Inclusion Criteria for Participants:

* age 60 years and older
* have a diagnosis of hematological malignancy
* have received autologous or allogeneic HCT within the prior 3-6 months
* able to speak and read English
* have provided written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria for Participants:

* there are no exclusion criteria

Inclusion Criteria for Participants' Care-Partner:

* age 19 years and older
* able to speak and read English

Exclusion Criteria for Participants' Care-Partner:

* there are no exclusion criteria

Inclusion Criteria for Transplant Team Member:

* age 19 years and older
* able to speak and read English

Exclusion Criteria for Transplant Team Member:

* there are no exclusion criteria

Arms 2 and 3:

Inclusion Criteria for Participants:

* age 55 years and older
* have a diagnosis of hematological malignancy
* planned to receive an autologous or allogeneic HCT
* able to walk 4 meters as part of the Short Physical Performance Battery (with or without assistance)
* (In Arm 3 only): willingness to be randomized to either initiate the physical activity intervention pre-HCT or following Day 180 post-HCT, and to follow the protocol for the group to which they have been assigned
* able to speak and read English
* have provided written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria for Participants:

* development of chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or occurrence of other safety concerns during the physical performance measures (i.e. Short Physical Performance Battery)
* is not cleared to participate in exercise by a physician

Individuals with the following current conditions/diagnoses documented in medical history will be required to provide clearance for exercise from their cardiologist:

* Myocardial infarctions in the past 3 months
* Resting or unstable angina
* Uncontrolled and/or serious arrhythmias
* 3rd degree heart block
* Acute congestive heart failure or ejection fraction \<30%
* Clinically significant aortic stenosis

Individuals with the following conditions/diagnoses will be required to provide clearance for exercise from their surgeon:

* Hip fracture, hip or knee replacement, or spinal surgery in the past 3 months

  * other medical, psychiatric, or behavioral factors that in the judgement of the principal investigator may interfere with study participation or the ability to follow either the intervention or the active control condition
  * (In Arm 3 for those who agree to the voluntary measures of blood, saliva and MRI, there are additional exclusions to avoid conditions that may confound study outcomes):
* history of residual brain abnormalities from prior severe traumatic brain injury (e.g. encephalomalacia) or other significant abnormalities documented on a recent brain MRI (e.g. brain cancer, large vessel strokes, residual subdural hematoma)
* history of major stroke with obvious residual deficits
* history of relapsing and remitting Multiple Sclerosis
* active moderate to severe psychiatric symptoms due to primary psychiatric disorder

Inclusion Criteria for Participants' Care-Partner:

* age 19 years and older
* able to speak and read English
* able to walk 4 meters as part of the Short Physical Performance Battery (with or without assistance)
* have no medical contraindications for participating in light to moderate-intensity physical activity per PI review of medical history as reported on the care-partner medical history form

Exclusion Criteria for Participants' Care-Partner:

* development of chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or occurrence of other safety concerns during the physical performance measures (i.e. Short Physical Performance Battery)
* is not cleared to participate in exercise by a physician

Individuals with the following current conditions/diagnoses documented in medical history will be required to provide clearance for exercise from their cardiologist:

* Myocardial infarctions in the past 3 months
* Resting or unstable angina
* Uncontrolled and/or serious arrhythmias
* 3rd degree heart block
* Acute congestive heart failure or ejection fraction \<30%
* Clinically significant aortic stenosis

Individuals with the following conditions/diagnoses will be required to provide clearance for exercise from their surgeon:

o Hip fracture, hip or knee replacement, or spinal surgery in the past 3 months

* other medical, psychiatric, or behavioral factors that in the judgement of the principal investigator may interfere with study participation or the ability to follow either the intervention or the active control condition

Inclusion Criteria for Transplant Team Member:

* age 19 years and older
* able to speak and read English

Exclusion Criteria for Transplant Team Member:

* there are no exclusion criteria

Where this trial is running

Omaha, Nebraska

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions LeukemiaLymphomaMultiple MyelomaMyelodysplastic SyndromesMyeloproliferative NeoplasmHematopoietic cell transplantation
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.