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Trials
Published in: Trials 1/2015

Open Access 01-12-2015 | Study protocol

SMART: physical activity and cerebral metabolism in older people: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Authors: Johannes Fleckenstein, Silke Matura, Tobias Engeroff, Eszter Füzéki, Valentina A Tesky, Ulrich Pilatus, Elke Hattingen, Ralf Deichmann, Lutz Vogt, Winfried Banzer, Johannes Pantel

Published in: Trials | Issue 1/2015

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Abstract

Background

Physical activity exerts a variety of long-term health benefits in older adults. In particular, it is assumed to be a protective factor against cognitive decline and dementia.

Methods/design

Randomised controlled assessor blinded 2-armed trial (n = 60) to explore the exercise- induced neuroprotective and metabolic effects on the brain in cognitively healthy older adults. Participants (age ≥ 65), recruited within the setting of assisted living facilities and newspaper advertisements are allocated to a 12-week individualised aerobic exercise programme intervention or a 12-week waiting control group. Total follow-up is 24 weeks. The main outcome is the change in cerebral metabolism as assessed with Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopic Imaging reflecting changes of cerebral N-acetyl-aspartate and of markers of neuronal energy reserve. Imaging also measures changes in cortical grey matter volume. Secondary outcomes include a broad range of psychometric (cognition) and movement-related parameters such as nutrition, history of physical activity, history of pain and functional diagnostics. Participants are allocated to either the intervention or control group using a computer-generated randomisation sequence. The exercise physiologist in charge of training opens sealed and opaque envelopes and informs participants about group allocation. For organisational reasons, he schedules the participants for upcoming assessments and exercise in groups of five. All assessors and study personal other than exercise physiologists are blinded.

Discussion

Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopic Imaging gives a deeper insight into mechanisms of exercise-induced changes in brain metabolism. As follow-up lasts for 6 months, this study is able to explore the mid-term cerebral metabolic effects of physical activity assuming that an individually tailored aerobic ergometer training has the potential to counteract brain ageing.

Trial registration

NCT02343029 (clinicaltrials.gov; 12 January 2015).
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Metadata
Title
SMART: physical activity and cerebral metabolism in older people: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors
Johannes Fleckenstein
Silke Matura
Tobias Engeroff
Eszter Füzéki
Valentina A Tesky
Ulrich Pilatus
Elke Hattingen
Ralf Deichmann
Lutz Vogt
Winfried Banzer
Johannes Pantel
Publication date
01-12-2015
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Trials / Issue 1/2015
Electronic ISSN: 1745-6215
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-015-0662-9

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