NCT05068271

Multi-Domain Exercise and Memory in Adults Relative to ApoE Genotype: A fMRI Study

Effects of Multi-Domain Exercise Intervention on Memory Performance in Healthy Adults With and Without ApoE e4 Allele: A fMRI Study

• Status: Unknown
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 100 (estimated)
• Sponsor: National Taiwan Normal University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 45 Years – 70 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

The current project utilizes a single-blinded, double arm, 6-month randomized controlled trial to assess the effects of a multi-domain exercise program on memory performance, as well as cortical activities during the memory tasks in cognitively intact adults (i.e., 45-70 years). In addition, the potential moderator role of apolipoprotein epsilon-4 (ApoE e4) status and the mediator role of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) will be explored.

Detailed description

Aging has been adversely associated with the deterioration of cognitive and brain functions. Most research on the effects of regular exercise on cognitive and brain functions has been focused on exercise programs with a single mode of exercise. Studies focusing on the effects of exercise programs with multi-domains on cognitive function and cortical functionality are sparse in late-middle-aged and older adults. In addition, while growing evidence has revealed the beneficial effects of regular exercise on cognitive function, scientific evidence regarding the effects of multi-domain exercise programs on cognitive function and brain function in late-middle-aged and older adults who are with or without the genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD) is scarce. Lastly, the potential mediator role of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in individuals is required to be explored. In the current study, a single-blinded, double arm, 6-month randomized controlled trial has been utilized to assess the effects of a multi-domain exercise program containing multiple physical fitness components, meditation, and social interaction on memory, as well as cortical functionalities during the memory tasks in cognitively intact adults (i.e., 45-70 years). Specifically, the project aims to examine: (1) the causal links between a multi-domain exercise program composed of various physical fitness components, meditation, and social interaction against a control group on the memory performance in cognitively intact adults aged between 45 and 70 years with or without a genetic risk for AD, (2) the cortical functionality through functional images collected through a series of functional magnetic resonance images (fMRI), and (3) the potential influence of apolipoprotein epsilon-4 (ApoE e4) and BDNF on the effects of exercise. One hundred eligible individuals will participate in the current study and will be randomly assigned into either the 6-month multi-domain exercise group (exercise group) or the online educational course group (control group). All participants' physical fitness, cognitive function, and cortical functionalities via fMRI scanning will be assessed at the Baseline (Baseline-Assessments) and at the cessation of the 6-month intervention (Post-Assessments). The potential moderating role of ApoE genotypes and the mediation role of BDNF will be explored. Participation in this study will take approximately 7 months.

Conditions

• Exercise Training
• Executive Function
• Aging

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Multi-Domain Exercise Program	The multi-domain exercise consisted of the main exercise (e.g., aerobic exercise, resistance exercise, flexibility training, and coordinative exercise), social interaction, and meditation. Participants are encouraged to engage in 150 min exercise per week consisting of one 90-min on-site session and multiple online sessions for 6 months.
BEHAVIORAL	Control Group	The "usual physical activity group," as the control group, is informed to maintain their lifestyles. In addition, participants are invited to attend one 60-min online educational course per week. The logs of physical activity behavior will be obtained from the participants once per month during the intervention period.

Timeline

• Start date: 2022-04-12
• Primary completion: 2025-03-01
• Completion: 2025-09-01
• First posted: 2021-10-05
• Last updated: 2023-11-27

Locations

2 sites across 1 country: Taiwan