Cognitively Enriched Walking Program

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.

Conditions

• Healthy Aging
• Cognitive Decline
• Physical Inactivity

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Cognitively enriched walking program

The PA+CA program is group-based and will have a duration of six months (i.e. 24 weeks), with a frequency of two group sessions a week. All group sessions will last for approximately one hour and take place in groups of twelve or thirteen people supervised by a certified coach. Participants will be encouraged to do one individual session every week, as well.

BEHAVIORAL

walking program

The PA only program is group-based and will have a duration of six months (i.e. 24 weeks), with a frequency of two group sessions a week. All group sessions will last for approximately one hour and take place in groups of twelve or thirteen people supervised by a certified coach. Participants will be encouraged to do one individual session every week, as well.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Research Foundation Flanders

  collaborator OTHER

• KU Leuven

  collaborator OTHER

• University Ghent

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Pauline Hotterbeex, MSc · Ghent University / KU Leuven

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

DOUBLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

65 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2022-07-01

Primary Completion

2024-12-31

Completion

2024-12-31

Countries

• Belgium

Study Locations