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Cognitive Training to Improve Physical Activity

This study is looking at whether cognitive training can help middle-aged adults become more physically active and stick with it. Researchers want to see if training your brain to improve cognitive control (your ability to focus and manage your thoughts) can lead to better physical activity habits. You would participate in a 6-week home-based, computerized cognitive training program and a 6-week home-based aerobic exercise program. The study is looking for 264 participants between 40 and 65 years old who work full-time and are currently not very active. Success in this study means participants show better adherence to physical activity after 6 weeks. The current recruitment status is unclear.

Study design
This is an interventional study planning to enroll 264 participants. You would be randomized into one of three cognitive training programs.
What's involved
You would complete a 6-week home-based computerized cognitive training program and a 6-week home-based aerobic exercise program, including screening and testing sessions.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Physical activity adherence will be measured at 6 weeks.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT06338774

Cognitive Control to Boost Physical Activity Adherence

Recruiting
NAAges 40–65InterventionalBasic science
University of Iowa
~264 participants
Updated 2025-12-11 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Cognitive trainingExercise

At a glance

Recruiting sites
2 of 2 listed sites are recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Physical Activity Adherence
Measured over 6 weeks

Conditions

Physical Inactivity

Explore related trials

Inactivity

Where it's being run

2 sites across 2 states
Iowa1
Massachusetts1

Who to contact

Michelle W Voss, PhD
[email protected]
319-335-2057
Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Between the ages of 40 and 65 years old
Full-time working status of an average of 35 hrs./week or more
Scoring as "Low Active" by the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)
Eligible to participate in an aerobic exercise intervention based on the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire
Approval from their Primary Care Physician for approval to participate in the prescribed training program
Corrected vision of 20/40
Fluent in English to ensure instructions for cognitive assessments and training are understood clearly

Exclusion

Impairments in hearing inhibiting the ability to discuss study instructions or directions
Visual impairments that prevent the perception of color, or loss of sight in the visual field
Qualify as "high risk" for exercise-induced adverse events by American College of Sports Medicine criteria will be excluded, which includes known or symptomatic chronic cardiovascular or metabolic disease
Not fluent in English
Inability to comply with experimental instructions or access a tablet or computer to complete computerized training
Previous diagnosis of a neurological or psychiatric condition, including diagnosis with any of the following: major depression, Attention Deficit Disorder or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, meningitis, Parkinson's disease, stroke, Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), or brain aneurysm surgery.
Previous diagnosis of a heart condition, cardiovascular disease, or a recent cardiovascular event (such as high blood pressure or cholesterol) that would increase the risk for an adverse event in response to vigorous exercise, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), uncontrolled asthma (this includes anyone who has asthma but is not on medication.
Previous diagnosis of a chronic condition such as cystic fibrosis, unregulated thyroid disorder (this includes anyone with thyroid disease that is not on medication), untreated diabetes, renal or liver disease, heart murmur, arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat.
Previous brain surgery or injury associated with concussion or loss of consciousness that required rehabilitation or caregiver assistance to regain function (i.e., dressing/personal hygiene)
Previous diagnosis of Alzheimer\'s or related dementias
Current or previous cancer treatments within the last 6 months
Pregnant or trying to get pregnant

What this trial measures

  • Physical Activity Adherence6 weeks

    Proportion of moderate to vigorous physical activity achieved while unsupervised.