Promoting exercise in seniors to enhance cognitive health

Inspiring Seniors Towards Exercise Promotion to Protect Cognition

Not applicable Interventional Emory University · NCT06496425

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

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages65 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorEmory University Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Atlanta, Georgia and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06496425 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are ambulatory adults aged 65 and older with self-perceived memory complaints who are physically inactive.

Not a fit: Patients with neurological disorders, recent strokes, or those currently undergoing cancer treatment may not benefit from this study.

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 performed: Other studies have shown positive outcomes with music-based interventions in promoting physical activity and cognitive health, suggesting this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Atlanta, Georgia and 1 other locations

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 Alzheimer DiseasePhysical Activitymusicaerobic exercisestrength trainingcognitionphysical activitymuscular strength
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.