NCT07330700

Effects of Marching Exercise With Cognitive Training on Physical, Cognitive Function, and Autonomic Cardiovascular Responses in Older Adults With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

"A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial to Investigate the Effects of Marching Exercise Combined With Cognitive Training on Physical Performance, Cognitive Function, and Autonomic Cardiovascular Responses in Older Adults With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus"

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 60 (actual)
• Sponsor: Chonticha Kaewjoho · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 60 Years – 80 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This study aims to evaluate the effects of a combined marching exercise with cognitive training program on physical performance, cognitive function, and autonomic cardiovascular responses in older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group receiving marching exercise with cognitive tasks or a control group receiving usual care. Outcomes will be assessed before and after the intervention period. The findings are expected to provide evidence for a feasible and safe exercise strategy to improve physical and cardiovascular health in older adults with type 2 diabetes.

Detailed description

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is highly prevalent among older adults and is associated with declines in physical function, cognitive performance, and autonomic cardiovascular regulation. Reduced physical activity and impaired autonomic nervous system function may increase the risk of functional limitation, falls, and cardiovascular complications in this population. Exercise interventions that simultaneously challenge physical and cognitive domains may provide additional benefits beyond conventional exercise alone. This single-blind, randomized controlled trial investigates the effects of a marching exercise program combined with cognitive training on physical function, cognitive performance, and autonomic cardiovascular responses in older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Eligible participants aged 60 years and older will be recruited from the community and randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group will participate in a structured marching exercise program integrated with cognitive tasks, conducted three times per week for eight weeks. The control group will receive usual care and standard health advice. Physical performance outcomes will include measures of mobility, balance, and cardiorespiratory fitness. Cognitive function will be assessed using standardized cognitive tasks. Autonomic cardiovascular responses will be evaluated using heart rate variability parameters. Outcome measures will be assessed at baseline and after completion of the intervention. This study aims to provide clinical evidence supporting a practical and community-based dual-task exercise approach for improving physical, cognitive, and autonomic cardiovascular health in older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Conditions

• Type2 Diabetes Mellitus
• Autonomic Nervous System Imbalance

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Modified Marching Exercise combined with cognitive training group	The exercise program consists of a Modified Marching Exercise that emphasizes lifting the knees to touch a designated rope during each step. A metronome is used to maintain a rhythmic pace of 60-80 beats per minute throughout the training. In addition, participants perform concurrent cognitive dual-task training designed to stimulate executive function. The cognitive tasks include countdown calculations, backward sequencing of months and weekdays, and a Stroop interference task. Each session lasts approximately 30-40 minutes and includes a 5-minute warm-up and a 5-minute cool-down. Exercise intensity is individually adjusted according to the participant's fitness level. The program is conducted three times per week for 6 consecutive weeks, for a total of 18 sessions. This combined cognitive-motor training is designed to integrate physical and cognitive demands in order to improve movement efficiency, balance control, and responses to daily functional stimuli.
OTHER	Modified Marching Exercise group	Participants perform a structured Modified Marching Exercise program. The exercise involves rhythmic marching movements with pace controlled by a metronome set at 80 beats per minute. The intervention is conducted three sessions per week for 6 weeks, with each session lasting approximately 30-40 minutes, including warm-up and cool-down periods. All exercise sessions are supervised by a licensed physical therapist.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-07-10
• Primary completion: 2025-11-05
• Completion: 2025-12-10
• First posted: 2026-01-09
• Last updated: 2026-01-14

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Thailand