None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
Normal cognitive ageing is characterised by slowing of information processing and a decline in a range of cognitive abilities that involve problem solving, attention, working memory, episodic memory and executive function. Cognitive ageing only interferes with daily activities when there are complex cognitive demands occurring jointly with sensory and physical demands. In order to improve everyday function in older adults, we aim to develop an intervention targeting both complex cognitive demands and physical demands. As a pilot study, we aim to compare executive function training with a physical activity intervention (Jazzercise), compared with a comparison group receiving no intervention, on everyday function outcomes including a driving simulator task.
Interventions
Arm 1. Cognitive training. This will be conducted in small groups by a research assistant, 1 hour sessions 3x per week for 4 weeks. It will involve tasks dedicated to executive function training, especially as it relates to driving ability. Most tasks will be computer-based. Goal: To provide training and strategies that focus on executive control of movement.
Arm 2. Physical activity. This will be conducted in small groups by a research assistant, 1 hour sessions 3x per week for 4 weeks. It wil
Arm 1. Cognitive training. This will be conducted in small groups by a research assistant, 1 hour sessions 3x per week for 4 weeks. It will involve tasks dedicated to executive function training, especially as it relates to driving ability. Most tasks will be computer-based. Goal: To provide training and strategies that focus on executive control of movement. Arm 2. Physical activity. This will be conducted in small groups by a research assistant, 1 hour sessions 3x per week for 4 weeks. It will involved Jazzercise, a dance-based physical activity program specifically tailored to this age-group, and designed to be cognitively challenging exercise (e.g., remembering patterns and steps, pattern changes etc).
Sponsors
The Australian National University
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Educational / counselling / training
Masking
Open (masking not used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
70 Years to 80 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
1.Age 70-80 years 2.Able to perform moderate intensity physical activity without using walking devices
Exclusion criteria
1. Not currently participating in any dance/aerobics 2. Not currently doing any brain training 3. Medical history. No: a) insulin-dependent diabetes; b) uncontrolled hypertension; c) liver or kidney failure; d) significant lung disease; e) a history of alcoholism or drug abuse; f) any heart problems which could limit your functions like cardiac failure; g) heart disease; h) significant visual impairment; i) significant hearing loss; j) cancer; k) recent fracture; l) uncontrolled seizures / epilepsy; m) regular use of wheelchair; n) undergoing current rehabilitation; o) current fainting or dizzy spells; p) sudden loss of coordination; q) disabilities that impair your day-to-day living; r) multiple sclerosis; s) head injury; t) brain swelling or infection; u) focal brain disorders, brain tumour or brain surgery; v) currently taking beta blockers or psychotropic medicine; w) using medication for rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis; x) a diagnosis of Parkinsons disease; y) diagnosis of dementia, or Alzheimer's disease; z) living in or on waiting list for a nursing home; aa) stroke resulting in significant motor or cognitive disabilities; bb) currently being treated for any major condition or illness. 4. Using the MMSE, a cut-off score of 21 will be used to identify people with a suspected cognitive impairment. These participants will be excluded from participation in the trial.
Outcome results
None listed