The Effects of an Extensive Exercise Program on the Progression of Mild Cognitive Impairment

Summary

Exercise interventions to prevent dementia and delay cognitive decline have gained considerable attention in recent years. Human and animal studies have demonstrated that regular physical activity targets brain function by increasing cognitive reserve. Although initial studies indicate enhanced cognitive performance in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) following an exercise intervention, little is known about the effect of an extensive, controlled and regular exercise regimen on the neuropathology of patients with MCI.

The aim of this study is to compare a 12- month aerobic exercise programme versus a stretching and toning (non-aerobic) programme versus a control group on the progression of cognitive decline in MCI.

It is hypothesized that MCI-related decreases in cognitive and psychomotor functioning will show less progression or even be improved after a one-year aerobic exercise intervention compared to a group of patients undergoing stretching and toning exercise as well as to a control group provided with no intervention.

Conditions

• Mild Cognitive Impairment

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Aerobic exercise

Patients with mild cognitive impairment will undergo a one-year aerobic exercise program of 3 units of 45 min / week

BEHAVIORAL

Non-aerobic exercise

Patients with mild cognitive impairment will undergo a one-year stretching and toning (non-aerobic) exercise program of 3 units of 45 min / week

Sponsors & Collaborators

• German Sport University, Cologne

  collaborator OTHER

• University of Dublin, Trinity College

  collaborator OTHER

• University of Bonn

  collaborator OTHER

• University Hospital, Bonn

  collaborator OTHER

• Radboud University Medical Center

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Stefan Schneider, Prof · German Sport University, Germany

• Brian Lawlor, Prof · Trinity College Dublin, Ireland

• Marcel Olde Rikkert, Prof · Radboud University, Netherlands

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

50 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2015-06-30

Primary Completion

2018-11-30

Completion

2018-12-31

Countries

• Germany
• Ireland
• Netherlands

Study Locations