Evaluating the Effects of a Cognitively Enriched Walking Program for Older Adults on Cognitive Functioning, Psychosocial Wellbeing and Physical Activity: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Status: Recruiting
Location: See all (2) locations...
Intervention Type: Behavioral
Study Type: Interventional
Study Phase: Not Applicable
SUMMARY

Dementia currently affects more than 47 million people worldwide, its prevalence is forecasted to triple by 2050, and it has been reported to be one of the most costly disorders in Belgium. There is good scientific evidence that the cognitive impairments associated with the development of dementia can be lessened or even reversed thanks to the plasticity of the brain (rewiring). Recent research has shown that physical activity combined with performing cognitively challenging tasks is a very potent way to induce this rewiring of the brain, which can enable people to improve their cognitive functions. Yet, so far, these studies are mainly limited to controlled laboratory conditions. The investigators developed a real-life cognitively enriched walking program, with input from experts and end-users. In this study, the investigators will examine the added value of enriching physical activity (walking) with cognitive exercises in improving cognition of older adults by conducting a six-month community-based randomized controlled trial. The investigators will also examine the longer term effectiveness in a follow-up measurement visit six months after the program. The investigators will focus on the following outcomes: cognitive functioning (i.e., objective, subjective and cognitive activity), psychosocial wellbeing (i.e., loneliness, social support, depressive symptomatology, positive wellbeing and expectations regarding aging), physical activity (i.e. both objective and subjective) and general health.

Eligibility
Participation Requirements
Sex: All
Minimum Age: 65
Healthy Volunteers: t
View:

• male and female volunteers

• aged 65 years and older

• community-dwelling

Locations
Other Locations
Belgium
Ghent University
RECRUITING
Ghent
KU Leuven
RECRUITING
Leuven
Contact Information
Primary
Greet Cardon, PhD
Greet.Cardon@ugent.be
+32 9 264 91 42
Backup
Jannique van Uffelen, PhD
jannique.vanuffelen@kuleuven.be
Time Frame
Start Date: 2022-07-01
Estimated Completion Date: 2024-12-31
Participants
Target number of participants: 113
Treatments
Experimental: PA + CA
a cognitively enriched walking program (Physical Activity (PA)+Cognitive Activity (CA)
Active_comparator: PA only
a walking program without cognitive enrichment (Physical Activity (PA) only)
No_intervention: control
a passive control group (CG). The passive CG will receive no intervention program.
Related Therapeutic Areas
Sponsors
Leads: University Ghent
Collaborators: Research Foundation Flanders, KU Leuven

This content was sourced from clinicaltrials.gov