rTMS with aerobic exercise for older adults with mild cognitive impairment and depressive symptoms
Official title: Effects of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Combined With Aerobic Exercise on Cognitive Function, Psychological Health, and Walking Performance in Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment and Comorbid Depression: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by Cheng-Hsin General Hospital · NCT07652775 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial tests whether rTMS alone or rTMS plus stationary cycling can improve thinking skills and mood in older adults with MCI and depression.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 65 Years to 90 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 45 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Cheng-Hsin General Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Taipei, Taipei City) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 3, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | June 17, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07652775 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 65–90 with mild cognitive impairment and depressive symptoms who can ambulate and provide informed consent.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with dementia, epilepsy, metallic implants contraindicating TMS, or severe medical/psychiatric conditions may be unlikely to benefit or participate full, limiting applicability.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized trial investigates the effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) alone and in combination with 30 minutes of stationary cycling on cognitive function, depressive symptoms, sleep quality, life satisfaction, self-efficacy, and gait in adults aged 65–90 with mild cognitive impairment and depressive symptoms. Participants are assigned to three groups: rTMS alone, rTMS plus exercise, or sham rTMS plus exercise, over 20 sessions across five weeks (four sessions per week). Stimulation targets the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Assessments occur at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and at 1-month follow-up. The study aims to inform non-pharmacological strategies to improve cognition and mental health in this population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants could experience improvements in cognitive function and mood, with potential gains in daily functioning and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Prior non-pharmacologic approaches with TMS or aerobic exercise have shown potential cognitive and mood benefits in related populations, though this exact combination remains under investigation.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Aged 65 to 90 years. 2. Diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) according to established clinical criteria. 3. Presence of depressive symptoms as determined by clinical assessment and Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II). 4. Able to communicate and follow study instructions. 5. Able to ambulate independently with or without an assistive device. 6. Able to provide written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Diagnosis of dementia. 2. History of epilepsy or seizure disorder. 3. Presence of metallic implants, pacemakers, cochlear implants, or other contraindications to transcranial magnetic stimulation. 4. Major neurological disorders, including stroke, Parkinson's disease, traumatic brain injury, or other neurodegenerative diseases. 5. Severe psychiatric disorders other than depression. 6. Severe cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, or medical conditions that preclude participation in aerobic exercise. 7. Severe visual or hearing impairments that interfere with cognitive assessment. 8. Current participation in another intervention study.
Where it's running
-
Cheng Hsin General Hospital
Taipei, Taipei City, Taiwan Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Kai-Chen Wang, MD — Cheng-Hsin General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Ya-Chu Chan, MS Candidate
- Email: aya45285@gmail.com
- Phone: +886-983-559-807
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Rural Veterans and Care Partners Walking Program
A virtual walking program is tested to see if it can help Veterans with mild cognitive impairment and their care partners in rural areas walk more each day.
-
China HEAD: a large community study on healthy aging and dementia
This study tests whether collecting health, imaging, and biospecimen data from adults in China can help predict who will develop Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
-
Aging Brain Health Initiative in Fujian
This observational study will follow about 3,000 older adults in Fujian to see how Alzheimer's-related changes develop and to test new digital tests, biomarkers, and imaging tools for early diagnosis.
-
See if multimodal biomarkers can map changes from mild cognitive impairment to dementia
This observational study tests whether clinical, blood, and brain-imaging markers can tell apart stages of cognitive decline and predict progression from mild cognitive impairment to dementia in about 600 people.
-
LIFU to Help Sleep and Amyloid Reduction in Older Adults with Cognitive Impairment
A wearable ultrasound device (ATTN201) is being tested to see if it’s safe and easy to use for people 65 and older with mild cognitive impairment and amyloid buildup.
-
Digital STEADI: A home-based digital fall prevention program for older adults
A home-based digital program using AI-driven conversational agents tests if a guided fall-prevention exercise plan can reduce fall risk for older adults with mild cognitive impairment living independently.
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.