Neural Activation and Connectivity in Response to Exercise and Cognitive Training (NAC)

The Washington University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Neural Connectivity

Treatments: Other: Blood Oxygen Level Dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic imaging (fMRI)

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT01603771

7432-01 (Other Grant/Funding Number)

201104290

Details and patient eligibility

About

The goal of this pilot study is to evaluate whether healthy, sedentary older adults have increased activation of specific brain areas, in response to exercise and cognitive training, in comparison to a control group, and whether improvements in psychometric test performance are related to increased activation of brain networks. Participants, between age 55-75 years will be recruited from an ongoing study of exercise and cognitive training, to undergo Blood Oxygen Level Dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic imaging (fcMRI).

Enrollment: 24 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 55 to 75 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• meet the inclusion criteria for the parent study, Combining Exercise and Cognitive Training to Improve Everyday Function (EXACT) study (Unique Protocol ID 201102416).

Exclusion criteria

• currently taking chronic psychotropic medication, beta blockers, or calcium channel blockers
• contraindication to MRI scanning
• inability to complete MRI scans in closed scanner

Trial design

24 participants in 2 patient groups

Combined

Description:

Participants assigned to this group have been randomized to the Combined group of the parent study, Combining Exercise and Cognitive Training to Improve Everyday Function(EXACT)(Unique Protocol ID 201102416). Participants perform a 6-month standardized aerobic training program at a local recreational center, 3 times per week for 1 hour. Participants in this group also perform an 8-week cognitive training program 3 days per week for 1 hour, during months 5 and 6. The cognitive training program is computer-based, and focuses on 3 types of cognitive processes: task coordination, prospective memory, and retrospective memory retrieval. The cognitive training is conducted on concurrent days with aerobic exercise training sessions, also on site at the recreational center.

Treatment:

Other: Blood Oxygen Level Dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic imaging (fMRI)

Control

Description:

Participants assigned to this group have been randomized to the Control group of the parent study, Combining Exercise and Cognitive Training to Improve Everyday Function(EXACT)(Unique Protocol ID 201102416). Participants perform a 6-month home exercise program consisting of stretching, range of motion, and simple yoga exercises designed to improve flexibility. They are instructed to perform these exercises at home at least 3 times per week for 30 - 45 minutes and record their activity on a calendar. Participants also attend weekly 1-hour Health Education sessions for 8 weeks, during months 5 and 6. These sessions cover topics unrelated to exercise or cognition, such as nutrition, hearing loss, stroke, and home energy conservation.

Treatment:

Other: Blood Oxygen Level Dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic imaging (fMRI)