Exercise Effects on Thinking Skills in Middle-Aged Adults with Childhood Trauma and Memory Concerns

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying how acute and chronic exercise affect thinking skills in middle-aged adults who have cognitive complaints and a history of childhood abuse or neglect. The study aims to compare different exercise types and their impact on cognition using a crossover design. Participants will be adults aged 40 to 60 who meet specific health and cognitive criteria. The study includes several parts an initial assessment, two lab sessions with acute exercise conditions moderate and light intensity cycling followed by symptom and cognitive testing, and a 9-week exercise intervention or usual activity outside the lab. During the 9 weeks, participants either engage in moderate-intensity exercise four days a week or continue their usual activity, with assessments at 3-week intervals. Participants will complete interviews, symptom questionnaires, and various cognitive tests before and after exercise sessions and periodically during the 9-week intervention. They will wear activity monitors to track exercise adherence. Researchers will measure changes in memory, attention, processing speed, and cognitive complaints. Safety and symptom monitoring occur throughout, and total participation lasts up to 78 days.

Childhood Trauma, Exercise, and Cognition