Using guided imagery to boost exercise adherence and support healthy aging

Guided Episodic Future Thinking to Increase Physical Activity Adherence and Promote Healthy Brain Aging Among Mid-Life Adults: Phase II

NA · University of Kansas Medical Center · NCT06123182

This study tests if using guided imagery can help middle-aged adults stick to their exercise routines and feel more positive about working out.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment160 (estimated)
Ages45 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Kansas Medical Center (other)
Locations1 site (Kansas City, Kansas)
Trial IDNCT06123182 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to enhance physical activity among mid-life adults by employing guided imagery techniques that foster excitement about exercise. Participants will undergo assessments at three key points: baseline, after a 6-week exercise program, and 6 weeks post-program. The study will evaluate the effects of guided imagery on exercise adherence, positive emotions related to exercise, and brain connectivity using functional MRI. Additionally, participants will provide feedback on their experiences to inform future research.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are mid-life adults aged 45-65 who are physically underactive and can engage in a structured exercise program.

Not a fit: Patients with significant cardiac issues or those unable to safely participate in exercise or MRI scans may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve exercise adherence in mid-life adults, promoting healthier aging.

How similar studies have performed: While guided imagery has been explored in various contexts, this specific approach targeting exercise adherence in mid-life adults is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* speak English
* have access to reliable communication (a telephone or cell phone, computer, etc.)
* normal or corrected to normal vision and hearing
* ambulatory (without the use of assistive devices)
* physically underactive
* able to give informed consent
* able to exercise continuously on the recumbent stepper exercise device for 4 minutes greater than or equal to 25 watts to demonstrate ability to perform exercise on stepper \& no aerobic exercise contraindications or other safety/physical concerns
* able to communicate with investigators, follow 2-step command \& correctly answer consent comprehension questions
* stable blood pressure and statin medication doses for 30 days as these affect vascular health/hemodynamics
* willing and able to safely enter magnetic resonance (MR) scanner and attempt the MR scan
* willing and able to attempt a blood draw

Exclusion Criteria:

* patients with arrhythmias or acute cardiac events will be excluded due to potential complications with the supervised moderate exercise
* at risk for hazard due to magnetic fields due to MR safety concerns
* have any neurologic or psychiatric disorder except depression, anxiety (including post-traumatic stress disorder)
* have history of seizures or head trauma due to MR data quality

Where this trial is running

Kansas City, Kansas

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Exercise Training, Aging, Adherence, Guided Imagery

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.