Exercise Program for Cognitive Impairment

(MOVE Trial)

Not yet recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By Sarah Frances Crawford, B.A.

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Colorado, Boulder

Must not be taking: Antipsychotics

Disqualifiers: Physically active, Serious psychiatric disorders, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 16

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a new program designed to increase exercise, potentially improving heart health, reducing diabetes risk, and supporting brain health. The study targets individuals from the Black community who currently lead inactive lifestyles. Participants will engage in either moderate or vigorous exercise with varying goal difficulties as part of the Goal Setting and Exercise Intensity Intervention. It suits individuals aged 45-65 who can walk a few blocks without discomfort and plan to remain in the Denver area for over a year. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to research that could enhance community health and personal well-being.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but you cannot participate if you are on antipsychotic medications or being treated for serious psychiatric disorders like Alzheimer's or dementia.

What prior data suggests that this exercise program is safe for cognitive impairment?

Research shows that exercise, whether moderate or vigorous, is generally safe for most people. Studies have found that both types of exercise can boost brain function and may help slow memory loss. For instance, regular moderate exercise can improve thinking skills and lower the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Similarly, vigorous exercise is linked to maintaining brain health and slowing dementia.

Most people handle both types of exercise well. The reviewed studies did not report any major negative effects from moderate or vigorous exercise. Regular exercise is usually a beneficial addition to a healthy lifestyle and is safe for most people to try. However, consulting a healthcare provider before starting any new exercise routine is always advisable, especially if existing health issues are present. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Unlike current treatments for cognitive impairment that often rely on medications or cognitive training exercises, this trial explores the impact of exercise intensity combined with goal-setting strategies. Researchers are excited because this approach not only promotes physical health but also targets cognitive function improvement through tailored exercise regimens. By examining variations in exercise intensity and goal difficulty, the trial aims to uncover how personalized exercise programs could enhance cognitive abilities, offering a potentially non-pharmaceutical and engaging option for those with cognitive challenges.

What evidence suggests that this trial's exercise programs could be effective for cognitive impairment?

Research shows that both intense and moderate exercises can boost brain function. In this trial, participants will join different exercise programs. Studies have found that moderate-to-vigorous exercise links to better thinking and memory. Intense exercise improves memory and speeds up information processing. Moderate exercise also slows the decline in thinking skills. Exercise at both levels supports brain health and combats memory loss. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for Black individuals aged 45-65 who are interested in a goals-based program to increase exercise and potentially reduce cognitive decline. It aims to address health disparities in communities of color, particularly related to heart disease, diabetes, and dementia.

Inclusion Criteria

Planning to remain in the Denver metro area for the next 14 months

Identify as Black or African American

I am between 45 and 65 years old.

Exclusion Criteria

Currently physically active (i.e., >90 min/week of moderate PA or >40 min/week of vigorous PA consistently for the past 6 months)

I am taking medication for a psychiatric condition or have Alzheimer's/dementia.

I can't climb 2 flights of stairs without feeling chest pain, short of breath, or dizzy.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Supervised Exercise Training

Participants engage in supervised exercise sessions 3 times a week for 4 weeks, focusing on either vigorous or moderate intensity with goal-setting

4 weeks

12 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for exercise adherence, cognitive decline, and other health metrics at multiple intervals after the initial training phase

12 months

4 visits (in-person) at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Goal Setting and Exercise Intensity Intervention

Trial Overview The study tests a goal-setting and exercise intensity intervention developed with the Black community's input. Participants will follow this program designed to encourage more physical activity as a way to improve overall health and cognitive function.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Vigorous Intensity Exercise, Challenging Goal Difficulty Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants are assigned to exercise at a vigorous intensity and create challenging goals.

Group II: Vigorous Intensity Exercise, Basic Goal Difficulty Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants are assigned to exercise at a vigorous intensity and create basic goals

Group III: Moderate Intensity Exercise, Challenging Goal Difficulty Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants are assigned to exercise at a moderate intensity and create challenging goals

Group IV: Moderate Intensity Exercise, Basic Goal Difficulty Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants are assigned to exercise at a moderate intensity and create basic goals

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Colorado, Boulder

Lead Sponsor

Trials

128

Recruited

29,600+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10228832/

Brain function effects of exercise interventions for cognitive ... The aim of this systematic review was to assess the effects of exercise on cognition and brain function in people with cognitive decline associated with ...

2. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0020748918300026

The effectiveness of physical exercise on cognitive and ... This study provides evidence that physical exercise is beneficial for improving global cognition in MCI patients; particularly, aerobic exercise is associated ...

3. nature.com nature.com/articles/s41591-025-03955-6

Physical activity as a modifiable risk factor in preclinical ... There were further attenuations of tau accumulation and cognitive and functional decline at moderate activity (5,001–7,500 steps per day), with ...

4. alz-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com alz-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/alz.14586

Effects of exercise on cognition and Alzheimer's biomarkers in ... Regular supported moderate-high or lower-intensity exercise may stall decline in adults with amnestic MCI, but further investigation is needed.

5. frontiersin.org frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1436499/full

Optimal dose and type of exercise to improve cognitive ... Notably, moderate-intensity exercise performed at least three times weekly appears beneficial, with evidence suggesting shorter sessions and higher frequencies ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12019696/

Effects of exercise on cognition and Alzheimer's biomarkers in ... Regular supported moderate‐high or lower‐intensity exercise may stall decline in adults with amnestic MCI, but further investigation is needed.

7. newsroom.wakehealth.edu newsroom.wakehealth.edu/news-releases/2025/04/even-light-exercise-could-help-slow-cognitive-decline-in-people-at-risk-of-alzheimers-disease

Even Light Exercise Could Help Slow Cognitive Decline in ... Low and moderate-high intensity exercise could be valuable tools in the fight against Alzheimer's disease, researchers at Wake Forest University ...

8. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1836955319301341

Physical exercise attenuates cognitive decline and reduces ... Aerobic exercise at moderate intensity or above and a total training duration of > 24 hours can lead to a more pronounced effect on global cognition.

9. alz.org alz.org/getmedia/71082c97-12af-4c79-ae1a-4214bfcf143a/ph-bold-center-science-summary-exercise.pdf

Exercise and its Effect on Cognition Observational studies in humans report that aerobic exercise results in improved cognitive function and a reduced risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer's ...

10. bmcgeriatr.biomedcentral.com bmcgeriatr.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12877-019-1175-2

Effects of physical activity and exercise on the cognitive ... A randomized trail conducted by Lautenschlage NT [12] in 2008 showed physical activity and exercise may slow down cognitive decline, which is in ...