Water-based aerobic exercise with thinking tasks for older women

Effects of Aquatic Aerobic Exercises Combined With Cognitive Tasks on Cognitive Function and Other Health-related Outcomes in Older Adults

Not applicable Interventional Federal University of Pelotas · NCT07156708

This trial will test whether adding mental tasks to a water-based aerobic program helps thinking skills and overall health in inactive women aged 60–75.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment98 (estimated)
Ages60 Years to 75 Years
SexFemale
SponsorFederal University of Pelotas Academic / other
Locations1 site (Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul)
Trial IDNCT07156708 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Researchers are running a randomized, single-blinded, three-arm, parallel superiority trial that enrolls 98 physically inactive women aged 60 to 75. Participants are randomly assigned to an aquatic aerobic program with integrated cognitive tasks, a conventional aquatic aerobic program without cognitive tasks, or a control group. The interventions take place in a supervised aquatic setting designed to promote adherence and safety, with standardized exercise and cognitive components delivered during sessions. Primary outcomes focus on cognitive function, with secondary measures of physical fitness and other health-related outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are physically inactive women aged 60–75 without dementia or major psychiatric disorders who can safely participate in aquatic exercise and complete self-report questionnaires.

Not a fit: People with diagnosed dementia, schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, significant cardiovascular disease (except controlled hypertension), major mobility limitations, or who are unable to read and complete questionnaires are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, combining cognitive tasks with water-based aerobic exercise could produce greater improvements in thinking skills and physical health than aquatic exercise alone.

How similar studies have performed: Water-based exercise has shown benefits for physical fitness and sometimes cognition in older adults, but evidence for added benefit from combining cognitive tasks in the pool is limited and inconclusive.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Older women aged 60 and 75 years;
* Being physically inactive, meaning not participating in physical exercise for at least six months (regular exercise is defined as engaging in any physical training for a minimum of 20 minutes on two or more days a week).

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of cardiovascular disease (except controlled hypertension);
* Osteoarticular limitations for the practice of exercises;
* Being illiterate due to the self-completion questionnaires and the characteristics of the intervention;
* Diagnosis of dementia, schizophrenia, or major depressive disorder.

Where this trial is running

Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul

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 AgingPhysical exercisePhysical activityDual-task trainingWater-based exerciseCognitive functionPhysical fitnessMental health
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.