Multitasking strategy training to boost executive control in healthy older adults
Official title: Web-based Technology and Cognitive Training: Improving Executive Control in Cognitively Healthy Older Adults: the MUltitasking STrategy (MUST) Study
Run by Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey · NCT06995638 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial tests whether a web-based multitasking game, with or without strategy training, helps healthy adults aged 60–75 improve their executive control.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 60 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 130 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Newark, New Jersey) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 10, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 2027 |
| Study ends | December 2027 |
| Registry record updated | December 15, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06995638 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are cognitively normal adults aged 60–75 who speak English, score 26 or higher on the MoCA, can use a standard computer, and can attend two in-person visits and a blood draw.
✕Probably not a fit
People with diagnosed cognitive impairment, dementia, stroke, seizure disorders, low MoCA scores, taking cognition-affecting medications, or with sensory/physical barriers to computer use are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Cognitively normal adults aged 60–75 are randomized to one of three groups: a web-based Breakfast Game with explicit strategy training, the same game without strategy training (active control), or a no-intervention passive control. Participants in the two game arms complete ten one-hour online training sessions over about four weeks and receive a single educational session on healthy aging. All participants complete baseline cognitive testing, health questionnaires, and a blood draw, with cognitive reassessments 1–2 weeks and three months after the intervention. The primary focus is on changes in executive control and multitasking performance following training.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could help older adults improve multitasking and executive skills that support daily independence and potentially reduce age-related cognitive decline risk.
How similar studies have gone: Prior cognitive-training and game-based multitasking studies have shown modest, sometimes short-lived improvements in executive function, but consistent transfer to everyday functioning is limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 60-75 * Adequate English proficiency * Willingness to adhere to training protocol: * Attend 2 in-person assessments * Attend a blood test * Attend online intervention sessions and online follow-up assessment Exclusion Criteria: * Low test scores (below 26 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment) * Known history of cognitive impairment, dementia, stroke, seizure disorder, or other neuropsychiatric condition judged to impact cognitive performance. * Taking medications known to influence cognitive performance. * Sensory (e.g. visual, auditory) or physical (e.g. severe arthritic, orthopedic, neurologic) impairment incompatible with use of a standard computer workstation. * Enrolled in a concurrent study that could affect the outcome of this study.
Where it's running
-
Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Behavior Health Sciences Building, F-Level
Newark, New Jersey, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Sharon Sanz Simon Assistant Professor, Ph.D. — Rutgers University
- Study coordinator: Thamiris Golçalves Clinical Research Coordinator, MS
- Email: engaging.lab@rutgers.edu
- Phone: 973-972-2977
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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.