Multitasking strategy training to boost executive control in healthy older adults
Web-based Technology and Cognitive Training: Improving Executive Control in Cognitively Healthy Older Adults: the MUltitasking STrategy (MUST) Study
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 130 (estimated) |
| Ages | 60 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Newark, New Jersey) |
| Trial ID | NCT06995638 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Newark, New Jersey
- 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
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.