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BMC Geriatrics
Published in: BMC Geriatrics 1/2017

Open Access 01-12-2017 | Study protocol

The effects of an extensive exercise programme on the progression of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Authors: Kate E. Devenney, Marit L. Sanders, Brian Lawlor, Marcel G. M. Olde Rikkert, Stefan Schneider, on behalf of the NeuroExercise Study Group

Published in: BMC Geriatrics | Issue 1/2017

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Abstract

Background

Exercise interventions to prevent dementia and delay cognitive decline have gained considerable attention in recent years. Human and animal studies have demonstrated that regular physical activity targets brain function by increasing cognitive reserve. There is also evidence of structural changes caused by exercise in preventing or delaying the genesis of neurodegeneration. Although initial studies indicate enhanced cognitive performance in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) following an exercise intervention, little is known about the effect of an extensive, controlled and regular exercise regimen on the neuropathology of patients with MCI. This study aims to determine the effects of an extensive exercise programme on the progression of MCI.

Methods/design

This randomised controlled clinical intervention study will take place across three European sites. Seventy-five previously sedentary patients with a clinical diagnosis of MCI will be recruited at each site. Participants will be randomised to one of three groups. One group will receive a standardised 1-year extensive aerobic exercise intervention (3 units of 45 min/week). The second group will complete stretching and toning (non-aerobic) exercise (3 units of 45 min/week) and the third group will act as the control group. Change in all outcomes will be measured at baseline (T0), after six months (T1) and after 12 months (T2). The primary outcome, cognitive performance, will be determined by a neuropsychological test battery (CogState battery, Trail Making Test and Verbal fluency). Secondary outcomes include Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), cardiovascular fitness, physical activity, structural changes of the brain, quality of life measures and measures of frailty. Furthermore, outcome variables will be related to genetic variations on genes related to neurogenesis and epigenetic changes in these genes caused by the exercise intervention programme.

Discussion

The results will add new insights into the prevailing notion that exercise may slow the rate of cognitive decline in MCI.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02913053
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Metadata
Title
The effects of an extensive exercise programme on the progression of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors
Kate E. Devenney
Marit L. Sanders
Brian Lawlor
Marcel G. M. Olde Rikkert
Stefan Schneider
on behalf of the NeuroExercise Study Group
Publication date
01-12-2017
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Geriatrics / Issue 1/2017
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2318
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-017-0457-9

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