Motor-cognitive training with a virtual reality treadmill for older adults at risk of dementia
Official title: Motor-Cognitive Training for Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome
Run by University of Kansas Medical Center · NCT07223905 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether combining motor and cognitive training on a virtual reality treadmill can help older adults with motoric cognitive risk syndrome improve walking speed and thinking skills more than traditional treadmill training.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Kansas Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Kansas City, Kansas) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 10, 2026 |
| Main results expected | September 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | September 30, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | October 13, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07223905 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults 65 and older with motoric cognitive risk syndrome, fluent in English, with normal cognition by standard assessment, who can walk without major musculoskeletal or neurological limitations.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with diagnosed dementia, major chronic or unstable diseases, active psychiatric conditions, significant sensory impairments, or current engagement in other non-pharmacological cognitive/walking interventions may receive limited or no benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
In this single-blind randomized trial, researchers compare a virtual reality (VR) treadmill training program to conventional treadmill training to see which better improves motor and cognitive outcomes in adults aged 65 and older with motoric cognitive risk syndrome. Participants complete 18 one-hour sessions over six weeks, plus pre- and post-training assessments and a week of activity monitoring before and after the program. The study uses a VR treadmill to deliver integrated motor and cognitive tasks and measures changes in gait speed and cognitive function. The trial is led by the University of Kansas Medical Center with support from the National Institute on Aging and will take place at KU Medical Center. The goal is to determine if adding VR elements provides additional benefit beyond standard treadmill training for people at higher risk of dementia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer an effective way to slow or reduce the progression of motor and cognitive decline in at-risk older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research on combined motor-cognitive training is limited, but pilot studies in related areas suggest potential benefits; the VR-integrated approach is relatively novel for MCR.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥ 65 * English speaking * Normal cognition (CDR=0) * Meet MCR criteria * Voluntary consent Exclusion Criteria: * Major chronic unstable disease or neurological condition (e.g., seizures) * Diagnosed dementia * Active psychiatric conditions * Musculoskeletal conditions that affect walking for more than 2 minutes * Severe visual or hearing impairments * Sedating drugs (new use of narcotics or anxiolytics within the past month or chronic use that causes sedation) * Currently engaged in other non-pharmacological interventions to improve cognition or walking
Where it's running
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University of Kansas Medical Center
Kansas City, Kansas, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Hannes Devos, PhD
- Email: hdevos@kumc.edu
- Phone: 913-588-8253
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Figure-of-8 Walking Test in Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome
This observational study tests whether the Figure-of-8 Walk Test is a reliable and valid way to measure dynamic balance and gait in people with Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome.
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How doing a thinking task while walking affects balance and gait in Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome
This test will see if doing a thinking task while walking changes walking speed and balance in people aged 65 and older with Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome.
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This trial will test whether a video-game-based exercise program (exergaming) or a traditional neuromuscular exercise program better improves walking and thinking in people aged 65 and older with Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome.
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Personalized exercise programs to lower dementia risk in older Veterans with Motoric Cognitive Risk
This trial will try personalized exercise programs—functional power training, music-based walking, or both—to see if they help older Veterans with Motoric Cognitive Risk improve walking and thinking and lower dementia risk.
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.