Randomized Trial of Exercise and Social Interaction in a Community-Based Sample of Non-Demented Chinese Elders

Summary

A pilot randomized clinical trial was conducted in a random sample of 120 non-demented Chinese elders (ages 60-79) living in a defined community in Shanghai, China to compare the effects of interventions (fast walking, Tai Chi, group intellectual discussion) to no intervention with respect to change in cognition and whole brain volume determined by repeated neuropsychological batteries and MRI scans. Aims included determining the feasibility of recruiting and retaining a random sample of people age 60+ for such a trial as well as collection of preliminary data on the efficacy of the interventions. The long-term goal of this research program is to determine whether sustained physical and/or mental exercise interventions are efficacious in delaying the onset of dementia and to understand the role and mechanisms of brain growth in this process.

Conditions

• Cognitive Impairment
• Dementia
• Mild Cognitive Impairment
• Alzheimer Disease

Interventions

OTHER

Fast walking

Participants assigned to this group met with two group leaders three times per week in the morning in Jing An Park and were encouraged to walk quickly around a 400 meter circular route. Each session consisted of 10 minutes of warm-up stretching, 30 minutes of brisk walking, and 10 minutes of cool-down exercises. Prior to the first session, each participant was given a pedometer with their name on it. They were asked to take 100 steps and the sensitivity and positioning of the pedometer was adjusted to assure accurate measurement. At the termination of each session, the pedometers were collected and the number of steps taken by each participant at that session recorded. A record of the number of steps taken for every participant at each session over the 40 week period was maintained.

OTHER

Tai Chi

Participants assigned to this group met with a Tai Chi master and assistant three times per week in the morning in Jing An Park or at a nearby gymnasium depending on weather conditions. Each session included 20 min of warm-up exercises (lower back and hamstring stretching, gentle calisthenics, and balance training), 20 min of Tai Chi practice, and 10 min of cool-down exercises.

OTHER

Intellectual stimulation

Participants assigned to this group met with a group leader and an assistant for one hour three times a week in the morning at the neighborhood community center. Although direction was initially given regarding subjects for discussion, the participants decided on their own to organize and select topics themselves.

OTHER

Contact and testing only

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Fudan University

  collaborator OTHER

• University of South Florida

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• James A Mortimer, Ph.D. · University of South Florida

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

60 Years

Max Age

79 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2008-07-31

Primary Completion

2009-09-30

Completion

2009-09-30

Countries

• China

Study Locations