Actively Recruiting
Cognitively Engaging Walking Exercise and Neuromodulation to Enhance Brain Function in Older Adults
Led by University of Florida · Updated on 2026-06-03
120
Participants Needed
2
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of Florida
Lead Sponsor
N
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are studying older adults who have mild to moderate decline in executive function and mobility to see if combining cognitively engaging walking exercises with non-invasive electrical brain stimulation can improve brain and walking function. The study compares active transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) targeting prefrontal brain areas with a sham (placebo) version to test which is more beneficial. Participants will perform complex walking exercises that include tasks like obstacle crossing, precise foot placement, and walking on soft surfaces. Each session involves 30 minutes of walking. The active group receives 20 minutes of 2 milliamp tDCS over prefrontal regions during exercise, while the control group receives a brief 30-second sham tDCS. This intervention occurs over 18 sessions during a 6-week period. Participants will be assessed at the start, within one week after completing the intervention, and again 12 weeks later. Assessments include tests of executive function using a computer-based battery and measuring walking speed while negotiating obstacles. The study will enroll up to 120 men and women aged 65 and older, focusing on safety monitoring and measuring changes in brain and walking function over time.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Up-2 Study: Cognitively Engaging Walking Exercise and Neuromodulation to Enhance Brain Function in Older Adults
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age 65 years or older
- Mild to moderate decline in executive function based on standardized cognitive tests
- Subjective experience of increased confusion or memory loss in the past 12 months
- Ability to walk independently for at least 6 minutes (using a cane is allowed)
You will not qualify if you...
- Major cognitive disorder that interferes with daily independence
- Score below the 10th percentile on standardized cognitive tests
- Use of medications that may affect brain stimulation response
- Contraindications to brain stimulation or MRI procedures
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 - 6 weeks
Participants receive cognitively engaging walking exercise combined with either active or sham transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over prefrontal cortex. The walking sessions include complex tasks such as obstacle crossing, accurate foot placement, and walking on compliant surfaces.
18 visits (in-person, approximately 3 visits per week)
Duration - 12 weeks post-intervention
Participants are assessed after the treatment period to evaluate changes in executive function and complex walking ability.
2 visits (one within one week post treatment and one at 12 weeks post-intervention)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 2 locations
1
University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida, United States, 32610
Actively Recruiting
2
Brooks Rehabilitation
Jacksonville, Florida, United States, 32653
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
D
David J Clark, ScD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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