Predicting thinking problems and trying dual-task walking to boost cognition in people with colorectal cancer

Developing Risk Prediction Model of Mild Cognitive Impairment in Patients With Colorectal Cancer From Active Treatment to Survivor and Testing the Effect of Dual Task Walking on Improving Cognitive Function

Not applicable Interventional National Taiwan University Hospital · NCT04490733

This project will test whether adding simple thinking tasks to walking can help improve memory, attention, and executive function in people newly diagnosed with stage I–III colorectal cancer while also building a model to predict who is most at risk for cancer-related cognitive problems.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment355 (estimated)
Ages40 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorNational Taiwan University Hospital Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Taipei)
Trial IDNCT04490733 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The study first uses cross-sectional and longitudinal assessments to measure subjective and objective cognitive function across different treatment stages (surgery, chemotherapy) and to identify factors linked with cancer-induced cognitive impairment. Researchers will develop a risk prediction model for mild cognitive impairment related to colorectal cancer treatments and use qualitative interviews to understand patients' experiences and coping. In a second phase they will create a dual-task walking training program and test its effects on memory, attention, and executive function in a randomized controlled trial. Outcome measures combine cognitive tests and patient-reported cognitive symptoms collected at the hospital over the study period.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults newly diagnosed with stage I–III colorectal cancer who have no other active cancers or recurrence and who can safely walk and participate in the training are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients with metastatic (stage IV) disease, cancer recurrence, other active cancers, severe pre-existing cognitive impairment, or who cannot walk safely are unlikely to benefit from this walking-based intervention.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the program could help some colorectal cancer patients improve memory, attention, and everyday thinking and help clinicians identify patients at highest risk for cognitive decline.

How similar studies have performed: Exercise and dual-task interventions have shown promise for improving cognition in older adults and some cancer groups, but applying a dual-task walking program specifically to colorectal cancer-related cognitive problems is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients with newly diagnosed stage I to III colorectal cancer.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with cancer other than colorectal cancer or have cancer recurrence.

Where this trial is running

Taipei

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 Colorectal Cancercolorectal cancercognitive impairmentchemotherapydual-task walkingsurgery
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.