Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 65 and up

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.

More Alzheimer Disease trials

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages65 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment80 (estimated)
SponsorEmory University
Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Atlanta, Georgia and 1 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMay 15, 2024
Main results expectedOctober 2026
Study endsOctober 2026
Registry record updatedApril 30, 2026
Trial IDNCT06496425 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.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.