Neuroplasticity: The Effects of Exercise Training on Cognitive and Affective Functioning of Older People

The University of Hong Kong (HKU)

Status: Unknown

Conditions: Healthy Ageing

Treatments: Behavioral: Stretching exercise; Behavioral: Qigong exercise

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT04641429

UW 19-005

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study investigates the effects of exercise on older people's cognitive and affective functions, and the possible underlying neurobiological pathways.

Full description

Population aging is accelerating. The socioeconomic burden associated with an aging population calls for timely action for promoting brain health. The human brain has the capacity for plastic reorganization through learning and experience. Physical activity could induce plasticity and is important in the prevention of functional decline and increased survival. In this study, the effects of Qigong and stretching exercise on affective and cognitive function among the healthy elderly are investigated. This study is proposed to invite 200 participants (100 in each intervention condition). The investigators acquire data from questionnaires, assessments, neurocognitive tests, magnetic resonance imaging and blood samples at baseline (before the intervention) and post-intervention.

Enrollment: 200 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 50 to 70 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

1. At least finished primary school;
2. Have normal or corrected-to-normal vision and hearing;
3. Ability to do exercise;
4. Right-hand dominance;
5. Normal cognitive ability as assessed by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Hong Kong version (HK-MoCA).

Exclusion criteria

1. Abmormal anxiety or depression mood as measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale;
2. Current diagnosis or history of neurological or psychological conditions, such as substance abuse, psychotic disorders, or affective disorders;
3. Current diagnosis or history of substance/alcohol abuse;
4. Contraindications for MRI scanning (e.g. implanted metal);
5. People who regularly practice any qigong, Tai Chi or similar exercise or meditation within 6 months before study;
6. People who regularly practice moderate to high intensity physical exercise within 6 months before study. The operational definition of 'regular practice' is three times a week or more, at least 30 mins per time for at least 3 months.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Prevention

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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200 participants in 2 patient groups

Qigong

Experimental group

Description:

Participants in the experimental group receive Qigong exercise training.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Qigong exercise

stretching

Active Comparator group

Description:

Participants in the control group receive stretching exercise training.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Stretching exercise