Actively Recruiting
Locomotion Adaptation Deficits in Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer's Disease
Led by Emory University · Updated on 2026-03-02
10
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
E
Emory University
Lead Sponsor
N
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are investigating how Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's Disease (AD) affect locomotor adaptation, a key ability that helps people adjust their walking to changing environments. This research focuses on understanding the link between cognitive decline and walking difficulties, which can increase fall risk and reduce quality of life in older adults. The study aims to explore how reduced locomotor adaptation may worsen cognitive-motor function and mobility in people with MCI and AD. The study involves two parts: first, observing walking function in people with MCI, AD, and age-matched controls; second, a clinical trial where 10 participants (5 with MCI and 5 with AD) complete five split-belt treadmill walking sessions over two weeks. This treadmill allows each leg to walk at different speeds, helping researchers measure locomotor adaptation through controlled walking exercises that include baseline, split-belt, and post-split-belt phases. Participants will be evaluated with tests before and after the training sessions, including walking speed and distance tests, cognitive assessments, and tasks measuring memory and attention. Researchers will monitor changes in walking symmetry, adaptation speed, cognitive scores, and fall history to better understand the impact of locomotor adaptation training. The study begins with a baseline evaluation and finishes with a post-training assessment after two weeks of intervention.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Locomotion Adaptation Deficits in Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimers Disease
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Formal diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease or Mild Cognitive Impairment by a board-certified neurologist
- Amnestic MCI defined by specific cognitive tests and criteria including memory concerns and Mini-Mental State Exam scores between 20 and 26
- Clinical Dementia Rating of 0.5 with preserved general functional performance
- Evidence of impaired executive function with Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score between 13 and 17
- Able to walk 10 or more feet without an assistive device
- Completed at least six grades of education or has a good work history
- Not hospitalized within the last 60 days
You will not qualify if you...
- Acute medical illness requiring hospitalization
- Uncontrolled congestive heart failure
- History of stroke
- Inability to perform study procedures
- Medical or physical conditions preventing participation or walking, such as severe arthritis, uncontrolled hypertension or diabetes, renal failure, or angina with activity
- Use of medications that may affect cognition, including antipsychotics, opioids, stimulants, chemotherapy, anti-parkinsonian drugs, or certain neurologic prescriptions
- Psychotic disorders
- Confounding neurologic conditions like active CNS infections, seizure disorders, severe head injury, intracranial tumors, or stroke with neurological effects
- Substance use disorder, major depressive disorder, or generalized anxiety disorder within six months prior to evaluation
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 2 weeks
Participants complete 5 split-belt treadmill walking exercise sessions over a 2-week period to assess and improve locomotor adaptation.
5 in-person sessions
Duration - At baseline and at Week 2 post-training
Participants undergo evaluation sessions before and after the training to measure changes in walking function and cognitive performance.
2 visits (pre-training and post-training assessments)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Emory Rehabilitation Hospital
Atlanta, Georgia, United States, 30322
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
T
Trisha Kesar, PT, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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