Reshaping the Path of Mild Cognitive Impairment by Refining Exercise Prescription
Mild Cognitive Impairment
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Mild Cognitive Impairment
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- Community-dwelling in Metro Vancouver
- Have subjective memory complaints, defined as the self-reported feeling of memory worsening with an onset within the last 5 years, as determined by interview and corroborated by an informant
- Have a baseline Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score < 26/30
- Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score = or > 22 at screening
- Read, write, and speak English
- Not expected to start or are stable on a fixed dose of anti-dementia medications (e.g., donepezil, galantamine, etc.) during the 6-month intervention period
- Able to walk independently
- Must be in sufficient health to participate in the exercise programs
- Able to comply with scheduled visits, treatment plan, and other trial procedures
- Provide a personally signed and dated informed consent document indicating that the individual (or a legally acceptable representative) has been informed of all pertinent aspects of the trial. In addition, an assent form will be provided at baseline and again at regular intervals
Exclusion Criteria:
- Engaged in moderate (e.g., brisk walking) physical activity > 1 time per week, or > 60 minutes per week, in the 3 months prior to study entry
- Diagnosed with dementia of any type
- Clinically suspected to have neurodegenerative disease as the cause of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) that is not Alzheimer's Disease (AD), vascular cognitive impairment (VCI), or both (e.g., multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, frontotemporal dementia)
- At high risk for cardiac complications during exercise or unable to self-regulate activity or to understand recommended activity level; 5) have clinically important peripheral neuropathy or severe musculoskeletal or joint disease that impairs mobility, as determined by his/her family physician
- Taking medications that may negatively affect cognitive function, such as anticholinergics, including agents with pronounced anticholinergic properties (e.g., amitriptyline), major tranquilizers (i.e., typical and atypical antipsychotics), and anticonvulsants (e.g., gabapentin, valproic acid)
- On any hormone therapy (estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone) in the last 24 months
- Planning to participate, or already enrolled in, a concurrent clinical drug or exercise trial
Sites / Locations
- University of British ColumbiaRecruiting
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Arm 3
Arm 4
Experimental
Experimental
Experimental
Active Comparator
Aerobic Training and Resistance Training (A&RT)
Aerobic Training (AT)
Resistance Training (RT)
Balance and Tone Program (CON)
The A&RT program will be a four-times-per week program. Twice a week will be aerobic training consisting of outdoor walks with certified fitness instructors. The outdoor walking program will start participants out working at 45% of their heart rate reserve, and work up to 70% of the heart rate reserve. The other two days a week will be resistance training in which a pressurized air system and free weights will be used to provide the training stimulus. Other key strength exercises (with free weights) will include mini-squats, mini-lunges, and lunge walks. The intensity of the training stimulus will initially be at 50% to 60% of 1 repetition maximum (RM) as determined at week two, and progress to 75% to 85% of 1-RM at a work level of 6 to 8 repetitions (2 sets) by week four. The training stimulus will be increased using the 7 RM method, when 2 sets of 6-8 repetitions are completed with proper form.
The AT program will be a four-times-per week program. Twice a week will be aerobic training consisting of outdoor walks with certified fitness instructors. The outdoor walking program will start participants out working at 45% of their heart rate reserve, and work up to 70% of the heart rate reserve. The other two days per week are a balance and tone program consisting of stretching exercises, basic core-strength/kegal exercises, and relaxation techniques. Other than bodyweight, no additional loading (e.g., hand weights, resistance bands, etc.) will be applied to any of the exercises.
The RT program will be a four-times-per week program. Twice a week will be resistance training in which a pressurized air system and free weights will be used to provide the training stimulus. Other key strength exercises (with free weights) will include mini-squats, mini-lunges, and lunge walks. The intensity of the training stimulus will initially be at 50% to 60% of 1 repetition maximum (RM) as determined at week two, and progress to 75% to 85% of 1-RM at a work level of 6 to 8 repetitions (2 sets) by week four. The training stimulus will be increased using the 7 RM method, when 2 sets of 6-8 repetitions are completed with proper form. The other two days per week are a balance and tone program consisting of stretching exercises, basic core-strength/kegal exercises, and relaxation techniques. Other than bodyweight, no additional loading (e.g., hand weights, resistance bands, etc.) will be applied to any of the exercises.
The CON program will be a four-times-per week program. The CON group will consist of stretching exercises, basic core-strength/kegal exercises, and relaxation techniques. Other than bodyweight, no additional loading (e.g., hand weights, resistance bands, etc.) will be applied to any of the exercises.