CompletedNot Applicable

Optimizing Combined Physical and Cognitive Activity in Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

Belgium53 participantsStarted 2026-02-02

Plain-language summary

This laboratory-based interventional study aims to determine which combination of physical activity intensity and cognitive activity difficulty yields the greatest acute cognitive benefits in community-dwelling older adults. The main question it aims to answer is: \- Which combination of physical and cognitive activity results in the greatest short-term improvement in cognitive functioning? Researchers will compare four different combinations of physical intensity and cognitive task difficulty to determine whether one combination stands out. In addition, the study examines whether these effects differ depending on baseline cardiorespiratory fitness. Participants will: * undergo a preparatory phase in which their cardiorespiratory fitness, individualized physical activity intensity levels, and cognitive activity difficulty levels are established * visit the laboratory four times, with one week between visits, to complete each combination of physical and cognitive activity (light vs. moderate physical activity × easy vs. challenging cognitive activity) * complete cognitive tests immediately before and after each condition

Who can participate

Age range

65 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 65 years or older * Community-dwelling * Able to safely walk on a treadmill and complete the 6-Minute Walk Test * Sufficient Dutch proficiency to understand study instructions and complete study procedures Exclusion Criteria: * MoCA score \< 23 * Severe cognitive or physical impairment that would hinder participation or understanding of study procedures * Use of medication affecting heart rate * Any medical condition contraindicating engagement in physical or cognitive activity * Severe visual or hearing impairment that would prevent valid participation in the study procedures

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Change in Multitasking Test (MTT) performance from pre- to post-condition

Timeframe: Immediately before and 10 minutes after each experimental condition

Change in Delayed Matching to Sample (DMS) performance from pre- to post-condition

Timeframe: Immediately before and 10 minutes after each experimental condition

Change in Match to Sample Visual Search (MTS) performance from pre- to post-condition

Timeframe: Immediately before and 10 minutes after each experimental condition

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07630272

SponsorUniversity Ghent

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-05-13

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Healthy trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Age range

65 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

What they're measuring

Change in Multitasking Test (MTT) performance from pre- to post-condition

Timeframe: Immediately before and 10 minutes after each experimental condition

Change in Delayed Matching to Sample (DMS) performance from pre- to post-condition

Timeframe: Immediately before and 10 minutes after each experimental condition

Change in Match to Sample Visual Search (MTS) performance from pre- to post-condition

Timeframe: Immediately before and 10 minutes after each experimental condition