Cognitive Brain Training in Older Adults

Mild Cognitive Impairment Clinical Trial

Official title: The Effect of Fit Brains Training on Cognitive Performance in Older Adults

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

The investigators will conduct a 8-week proof-of-concept randomized controlled trial to provide preliminary evidence of efficacy of Fit Brains (Rosetta Stone Canada) training -- a mobile cognitive training program -- on cognitive and brain plasticity in older adults. The investigators will also explore whether Fit Brains training paired with a brief bout of exercise would enhance the potential cognitive benefits of Fit Brains. In addition, the investigators will explore the long-term effects of cognitive training by performing a 1-year follow-up measurement (i.e., 1-year after study completion).

Clinical Trial Description

This study will look at the effect of FBT on cognitive function in older adults. Additionally, the investigators aim to explore whether a single bout of aerobic exercise prior to Fit Brains training would magnify the training effect on both cognitive and brain outcomes.

Objectives:

1) To compare the effect of Fit Brains training (FBT) and the effect of a single bout of aerobic exercise prior to FBT (Ex-FBT) with a Balanced And Tone (BAT; control) program on cognitive performance in both older adults; 2) To explore the effect of FBT and Ex-FBT with BAT on brain structure and function i; 3) To explore whether the intervention effects (i.e., FBT and Ex-FBT) are moderated by cognitive status (i.e., MCI or not); 4) To explore whether Ex-FBT has additional benefits compared with FBT; and 5) To explore whether potential benefits are maintained at 1-year follow-up.

Research Method:

The investigators will conduct an 8-week proof-of-concept, assessor single-blinded randomized controlled trial (RCT) with 120 older adults (i.e., 40 in each experimental group). A subset of participants will perform MRI scans at baseline and 8-weeks.

To reduce bias, all assessors will be blinded to group allocation of participants. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of the three groups (i.e., FBT, Ex-FBT, or SCT). Participants in the FBT group will be required to attend 3 formal training sessions per week, for 8 weeks, at the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health or the Centre for Hip Health and Mobility. Each session will be for 60 minutes. Additionally, the participants will be asked to complete 3 additional one-hour training sessions at home per week. Thus, the participants will complete a total of 48 hours of cognitive training over 8 weeks.

Participants who are randomized to Ex-FBT will be required to attend 3 formal training sessions per week, for 8 weeks, at the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health or Centre for Hip Health and Mobility. Each session will be for 1 hour. The participants will start the training with a 15-minute walk outside. The 15-minute walk is followed by a 45-minute FBT session (FBT program). Additionally, participants will be asked to complete 3 additional 1-hour training sessions at home (i.e., 15-minute walk followed by 45-minutes of FBT training). Thus, the participants will complete a total of 48 hours of cognitive + walking training over 8 weeks.

Participants who are randomly assigned to the BAT group will be required to attend 3 formal training sessions per week, for 8 weeks, at both the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health and/or the Centre for Hip Health and Mobility. Specifically, the participants will complete a total of 8 hours of sham cognitive training, 8 hours of sham exercise training (Centre for Hip Health and Mobility) and 8 hours of education over the 8 weeks. Thus, the participants will complete a total of 24 hours of sham training over 8 weeks. ;

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Cognitive Dysfunction
• Mild Cognitive Impairment

• NCT number: NCT02564809
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: University of British Columbia
• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Start date: January 2016
• Completion date: September 2018