Virtual exercise program to help brain tumor survivors with cognitive issues
Official title: Virtually Delivered Home-Based Exercise Intervention on Cognitive Impairment and Gut Microbiome in Adolescent and Young Adult Brain Tumor Survivors: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by Emory University · NCT06799481 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a virtual exercise program to see if it can help brain tumor survivors improve their thinking skills and get more active.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 15 Years to 39 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Emory University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Atlanta, Georgia and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 13, 2025 |
| Main results expected | July 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | July 31, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | November 6, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06799481 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adolescents and young adults aged 15-39 who are 6 months to 4 years post cranial radiotherapy for a primary brain tumor and currently engage in less than 150 minutes of physical activity per week.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with secondary malignancies, severe traumatic brain injuries, or major psychotic illnesses 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 evaluates the RISE intervention, a virtually supervised exercise program designed to improve cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) and physical activity levels in adolescent and young adult brain tumor survivors. Participants will be randomized into two groups: one receiving the RISE intervention, which includes personalized aerobic and strength training, and the other receiving attention control with weekly check-ins. The study also aims to explore the impact of exercise on the gut microbiome diversity and composition. The trial will assess feasibility and measure outcomes related to cognitive function and physical activity over a 12-week period.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly enhance cognitive function and overall quality of life for young brain tumor survivors.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown positive outcomes with exercise interventions for cognitive function in cancer survivors, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 15-39 years * With primary brain tumor with cranial radiotherapy * 6 months to 4 years post cranial radiotherapy * Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT)-Cognitive Function score \< 60 based on self-report (used among AYAs with non-neural cancer) * Able to provide informed consent/assent * Able to walk and receive clearance from a provider to participate based on the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire * Currently engaging in \< 150 minutes of physical activity per week * Willing to use smartphone-based applications (app) Exclusion Criteria: * Secondary malignancies, germline genetic syndrome, or recurrent disease requiring re-irradiation of the brain * Moderate to severe traumatic brain injury with brain damage beyond that expected from brain tumor and treatment * Developmental disorders (e.g., autism) or major psychotic illness (e.g., schizophrenia, depression) to avoid confounding impact related to these disorders
Where it's running
-
Emory University Hospital
Atlanta, Georgia, United States Recruiting -
MD Anderson Cancer Center
Houston, Texas, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jinbing Bai, PhD, RN — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Jinbing Bai, PhD, RN
- Email: jinbing.bai@emory.edu
- Phone: 404-727-2466
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Exercise Together for patients with primary brain tumors and their caregivers
A supervised, partner-based exercise program is being tested to see if it’s safe and helps patients with primary brain tumors and their caregivers feel better and function more easily.
-
Evaluating patient perceptions of telemedicine quality in neuro-oncology
This study looks at how patients with brain tumors feel about the quality of care they get through telemedicine compared to in-person visits to see if there are any differences.
-
Exercise intervention to improve cognitive function in breast cancer survivors
This study tests whether a 6-month aerobic exercise program can help improve memory and attention in post-menopausal breast cancer survivors compared to those who only receive health education.
-
Using hyperpolarized carbon C 13 pyruvate to diagnose glioma in brain tumor patients
This study is testing a new imaging agent to see if it can help doctors better diagnose glioma in patients with brain tumors.
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.