Promoting exercise in seniors to enhance cognitive health
Official title: Inspiring Seniors Towards Exercise Promotion to Protect Cognition
Run by Emory University · NCT06496425 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if adding music to exercise programs helps older adults with memory issues be more active and improve their mental and physical health.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Emory University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Atlanta, Georgia and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 15, 2024 |
| Main results expected | October 2026 |
| Study ends | October 2026 |
| Registry record updated | April 30, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06496425 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are ambulatory adults aged 65 and older with self-perceived memory complaints who are physically inactive.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with neurological disorders, recent strokes, or those currently undergoing cancer treatment may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effects of beat-accented music stimulation (BMS) on physical activity behaviors and psychological responses in older adults with subjective memory complaints. Participants aged 65 and older will be randomly assigned to an exercise program that includes BMS or one that does not. The intervention consists of supervised strength training and aerobic exercise sessions over six months, with a gradual shift towards independent exercise. The study will assess changes in physical and cognitive functioning, as well as quality of life, resulting from the exercise regimen.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance physical activity levels and cognitive health in older adults, potentially delaying the onset of Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown positive outcomes with music-based interventions in promoting physical activity and cognitive health, suggesting this approach may be effective.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults at least 65 years old. * Ambulatory/capable of walking without pain or the use of assisted walking devices. * Able to speak and read English. * Healthy enough to exercise at moderate intensity with or without medical clearance by a primary care physician. * Living in the community for the duration of the study. * Having a reliable means of transportation. * Having a safe place at home or a residential area (at least 6 feet by 6 feet of open space) for unsupervised exercise training. * Being low-active (\< 60 min/week of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise and no strength training for the last 3 months). * Having SCC, defined by the Cognitive Change Index (CCI) ≥ 15. Exclusion Criteria: * Concurrent diagnosis of neurological disorder (e.g., dementia, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke, etc.). * Known exercise contraindications (uncontrolled hypertension, joint problems, diabetes, metabolic conditions etc.). * Current cancer treatment. * Stroke or neural impairment in the past 6 months. * Hip/knee/spinal fracture or surgery in the past 6 months. * Unable or unwilling to attend intervention classes. * Currently participating in any other physical activity or fitness-related research study. * Use of medication for cognitive impairment. * Regularly drink \> 14 alcoholic beverages a week or current illicit drug use. * Meet the threshold for cognitive impairment. * Meet the threshold for clinical depression. * Uncorrected hearing or visual impairments. * Unable to understand the study procedures. * One of the household members is participating in this study.
Where it's running
-
Emory University
Atlanta, Georgia, United States Recruiting -
UNC Greensboro
Greensboro, North Carolina, United States Completed
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Kyoung Shin Park, PhD — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Study Team
- Email: istep@emory.edu
- Phone: 404-727-8919
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Blood biomarker cohort for memory disorders in older adults
This observational cohort will collect blood samples and brain imaging data from adults 50+ with memory disorders and a small group of healthy young adults to help find biomarkers.
-
Tau changes after hip or knee replacement surgery
Researchers will see if brain tau changes after hip or knee surgery and whether these changes relate to inflammation and thinking abilities.
-
Low-Dose Whole-Brain Radiation Therapy With HeLaXON 1X in Mild Alzheimer's Dementia
This study will test whether a low-dose brain radiation treatment using HeLaXON helps people with mild Alzheimer's dementia improve or stabilize thinking and daily function.
-
Cervical lymphatic surgery to see if it helps people with mild Alzheimer’s
We’re testing a surgical approach in people with mild Alzheimer’s to see if creating alternative neck lymph drainage routes can affect brain biomarkers and daily function.
-
Transcranial random noise stimulation for behavioral and psychological symptoms in Alzheimer's disease
This trial tests whether high-frequency transcranial random noise stimulation can help people with early Alzheimer's disease who have BPSD, compared to a sham treatment.
-
Testing LY4405094 in healthy people and people with Alzheimer’s disease
This study tests LY4405094 to see if it is safe and how it behaves in the body, including how it reaches the brain fluid in healthy participants and how it affects a brain protein in people with Alzheimer's disease.
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.