Using guided imagery to boost exercise adherence and support healthy aging
Official title: Guided Episodic Future Thinking to Increase Physical Activity Adherence and Promote Healthy Brain Aging Among Mid-Life Adults: Phase II
Run by University of Kansas Medical Center · NCT06123182 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 45 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 160 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Kansas Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Kansas City, Kansas) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 23, 2024 |
| Main results expected | May 2027 |
| Study ends | May 2027 |
| Registry record updated | March 27, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06123182 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are mid-life adults aged 45-65 who are physically underactive and can engage in a structured exercise program.
✕Probably 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.
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 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.
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 gone: While guided imagery has been explored in various contexts, this specific approach targeting exercise adherence in mid-life adults is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
University of Kansas Medical Center
Kansas City, Kansas, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Laura Martin — University of Kansas Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Morgan Brucks
- Email: mbrucks@kumc.edu
- Phone: (913) 588-0173
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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.