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Neural Activation and Connectivity in Response to Exercise and Cognitive Training

Completed
Conditions
Neural Connectivity
Interventions
Other: Blood Oxygen Level Dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic imaging (fMRI)
Registration Number
NCT01603771
Lead Sponsor
Washington University School of Medicine
Brief Summary

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).

Detailed Description

Not available

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
24
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).
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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
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Study & Design

Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Study Design
Not specified
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
CombinedBlood Oxygen Level Dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic imaging (fMRI)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.
ControlBlood Oxygen Level Dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic imaging (fMRI)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.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Functional connectivity of large-scale brain networks as seen through Blood Oxygen Level Dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)Change in connectivity measurements between baseline and 6 months
Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Washington University School of Medicine

🇺🇸

St. Louis, Missouri, United States

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