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Effects of Combined Physical-cognitive Training on Cognitive Function in MCI

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Mild Cognitive Impairment
Interventions
Other: Physical training
Other: Cognitive training
Other: Combined physical-cognitive training
Registration Number
NCT03805620
Lead Sponsor
Chiang Mai University
Brief Summary

The present study aims to investigate the effects of combined physical-cognitive training on cognitive function as well as peripheral BDNF level and mitochondrial function of individuals with MCI. It is hypothesized that: 1) the combined physical-cognitive training program will be superior to the physical and cognitive training program alone; and 2) the degree of cognitive improvement will be positively correlated with the improvement of plasma BDNF and mitochondrial function.

Detailed Description

Recent research suggests that the benefits of combined physical-cognitive training may be greater than either physical or cognitive training alone. Nevertheless, this synergistic effect has been demonstrated mainly in cognitively intact older adults. Studies examining the effects of combined physical-cognitive training in older adults with MCI are scarce and show mixed results. Moreover, few studies have determined the effects of the combined training on peripheral brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and mitochondrial function. Thus, the present study aims to investigate the effects of combined physical-cognitive training on cognitive function as well as peripheral BDNF level and mitochondrial function of individuals with MCI. The present study will provide insight into the interplay among the training program, peripheral BDNF concentration, mitochondrial function, and cognitive function. Importantly, the findings will have clinical implication regarding the training program that is feasible and effective in improving cognitive function of older adults with MCI which ultimately will have great impact on public health as this population is at high risk of progression to AD.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
128
Inclusion Criteria
  • meet criteria for mNCD (mild neurocognitive disorders), previously known as MCI, based on the recent DSM-V (Diagnostic Statistical Manual-V) criteria
  • comprehend instructions and willing to participate
  • able to comply with the study schedule and procedures
  • not taking any medications for their cognition and not planning to start medications during the study trial
Exclusion Criteria
  • presence of medical conditions that would be unsafe to exercise
  • diagnosed with other neurological conditions (e.g. Parkinson's disease, Stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, AD) that affect cognition and mobility
  • presence of depressive symptoms
  • presence of acute or/and chronic disease that could not be controlled (e.g. Arthritis, Asthma, Hypertension, Diabetes mellitus, Coronary artery disease)
  • exercise regularly (at least 30 min/day, 3 days/week)

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
FACTORIAL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Phys GroupPhysical trainingphysical training group
Cog GroupCognitive trainingcognitive training group
Phys-Cog GroupCombined physical-cognitive trainingcombined physical-cognitive training group
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
change from baseline Rey auditory verbal learning score at 3 months3 months

Memory will be assessed using Rey auditory verbal learning test.

change from baseline Alzheimer's Disease Assessment- cognitive subscale at 3 months3 months

Alzheimer's Disease Assessment-cognitive subscale will be assessed at baseline and 3 months. The total scores range from 0-70, with higher scores (≥ 18) indicating greater cognitive impairment.

change from baseline brain-derived neurotrophic factor level at 3 months3 months

Level of plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) will be determined.

change from baseline Trail Making B-A score at 3 months3 months

Executive function will be assessed using Trail Making Test part B-A.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
change from baseline time to complete Timed Up and Go at 3 months3 months

Functional ability will be assessed using time to complete Timed Up and Go (TUG).

change from baseline stepping response time at 3 months3 months

Processing speed will be measured using stepping response time.

change from baseline physiological profile assessment score at 3 months3 months

Fall risk will be assessed using the physiological profile assessment. The test consists of five sensorimotor and balance measures including visual contrast sensitivity, proprioception, quadriceps muscle strength, hand reaction time, and postural sway. The five PPA components are weighted to compute a composite z-score distribution with high scores indicating increased fall risk.

change from baseline Digit Span score at 3 months3 months

Attention will be assessed using Digit Span forward-backward test.

change from baseline cellular oxidative stress level at 3 months3 months

Mitochondrial function will be determined from cellular oxidative stress level

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University

🇹🇭

Chiang Mai, Thailand

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