Dual Task Aerobic Exercise for Older Adults With Cognitive Impairment (HM2)
Condition: Cognitive Impairment
MeSH terms: Cognitive Dysfunction
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      The investigators proposed research will establish whether combining aerobic exercise with
      cognitive challenges is feasible and effective in community dwelling older adults with early
      signs of cognitive impairment.
    

Detailed description: 
      To determine the effects of dual-task aerobic exercise training on community dwelling older
      adults with early signs of cognitive impairment. We will compare an exercise intervention
      (E-I) versus an exercise control (E-C) group. Each week, both groups will accumulate a
      minimum of 120 minutes of exercise (target 150 minutes) from community-based group classes
      (50 minutes of aerobic exercise) and also complete 45 minutes of beginner-level Square
      Stepping Exercise (SSE). The E-I group will also answer cognitively challenging questions
      while doing SSE (dual-task training). This study will determine whether a combined multiple
      modality (primary component being aerobic exercise) and dual-task exercise program is both
      feasible and effective for improving cognitive and mobility status, as well as vascular
      compliance, in older adults who may be at risk for cognitive and mobility decline.
    

Intervention name(s): Exercise Intervention; Exercise Control
Intervention type(s): Behavioral; Behavioral
Intervention description(s): Goal of 150 minutes of structured exercise/week; minimum of 120 minutes from CCAA classes/week. The 75-minute class includes: 5-minute warm-up; 25 minutes of AE (70-85% maximum heart rate); 5-minute cool-down; 20 minutes of strength training; 5 minutes of core strengthening; 5 minutes of balance training; and 10 minutes of stretching. The 60-minute program is identical except: 15 minutes total for all strength training (including core) and 5 minutes of stretching. Following CCAA classes, participants continue with dual-task gait training where they are required to walk on a special mat with a designated walking pattern (beginner level Square Stepping Exercise) while answering cognitively challenging questions.; Goal of 150 minutes of structured exercise/week; minimum of 120 minutes from CCAA classes/week. The 75-minute class includes: 5-minute warm-up; 25 minutes of AE (70-85% maximum heart rate); 5-minute cool-down; 20 minutes of strength training; 5 minutes of core strengthening; 5 minutes of balance training; and 10 minutes of stretching. The 60-minute program is identical except: 15 minutes total for all strength training (including core) and 5 minutes of stretching. Following CCAA classes, participants continue with gait training where they are required to walk on a special mat with a designated walking pattern (beginner level Square Stepping Exercise). This will not include any dual-task challenges.
Other intervention name(s): Aerobic exercise and dual-task training; Aerobic exercise and gait training
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Single (Outcomes Assessor)
Primary purpose: Prevention
Keywords: Aerobic exercise; Cognition; Dual Task; Gait Training; Group-based exercise; Older adults