Determining the Feasibility of Implementing a Combined Cognitive and Exercise Training Program for Older Adults in a Community Setting.

Obesity Clinical Trial

Official title: Combined Cognitive and Exercise Training for Older Adults: Feasibility & Effectiveness

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

The overarching aim of this project is to implement and evaluate a proven cognitive training regimen in combination with a community exercise program among older adults who attend wellness exercise programs at the YMCA. To support this aim, the investigators have developed a collaboration with the YMCA of Kitchener-Waterloo, which offer exercise programs targeted to older adults. The specific objectives are: (1) to evaluate the feasibility of a combined exercise and cognitive training in a community-setting among older adults; and (2) to conduct a preliminary evaluation and comparison of changes in cognitive function, physical function, well-being and self-efficacy with 12-weeks of combined exercise and cognitive training versus exercise alone. The hypothesis for each objective are as follows: (1) It is anticipated that this program will be feasible to implement and will be well accepted by the participants and exercise providers. (2) The investigators may not have the power to find statistically significant differences between the control and experimental groups for physical and cognitive function. However, the investigators expect to observe positive changes between the pre- and post-assessments, suggesting improved cognitive function and mobility as a result of the 12-week program.

Clinical Trial Description

The study will be conducted at the A. R. Kaufman YMCA fitness center where 32 registrants of the "Move for Health Program" (formally known as the Live Smart program) will be asked to participate. The "Move for Health" program is a 12-week, twice-weekly 60 minute program that includes both aerobic and strength training. The cognitive training (delivered by an Android Tablet) focuses on dual-task training and requires participants to employ higher-order cognitive abilities such as attention and executive function. 16 Participants in one group will complete cognitive training integrated into the Move for Health exercise program, whereas 16 participants in the other group (completing program on separate days) will complete the exercise program only. All participants will complete assessments of cognitive function, physical function, well-being, and self-efficacy before and after the programs. This study will be the first to examine the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of a combined cognitive and exercise training program for older adults in a community-setting. If shown to be feasible, it has the potential for broader investigation and, eventually, wide-scale implementation to benefits the health of older Canadians.

Note: Due to low recruitment rates, 11 participants were recruited in the Fall of 2019 and all completed the experimental intervention. 32 participants were recruited and randomized for the Winter of 2020. In response to COVID-19, the YMCA shut down and thus the intervention has halted prematurely after 6 weeks of program. Post-program updated demographic information, activity questionnaires (physical, cognitive, and social), and assessments for overall well-being and self-efficacy will be conducted over phone or video call. ;

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
• Diabetes
• Fibromyalgia
• High Blood Pressure
• Hypertension
• Joint Replacement
• Lung Diseases, Obstructive
• Obesity
• Osteo Arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Osteoporosis
• Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive
• Stable Heart Conditions

• NCT number: NCT04515758
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: University of Waterloo
• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Start date: April 1, 2019
• Completion date: April 24, 2020