Motor-Cognitive Training for Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome

Motor-Cognitive Training for Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome

The goal of this clinical trial is to investigate if combined motor-cognitive training can improve motor and cognitive symptoms in older adults with motoric cognitive risk syndrome. The main questions it aims to answer are:

• Does motor-cognitive training using a virtual reality treadmill improve gait speed?
• Does motor-cognitive training using a virtual reality treadmill improve cognitive functions?

Researchers will compare virtual reality treadmill training with treadmill training to see if virtual reality treadmill training works to improve motor and cognitive functions in older adults at risk of dementia

Participants will

• Complete 18 sessions (1 hour, 3x/week, 6 weeks) of either virtual reality treadmill training or treadmill training
• Complete a pre- and post-training assessment
• Wear an activity sensor for seven days prior to the pre-training assessment and for seven days after the post-training assessment.

The objective of this single-blind randomized controlled trial is to compare the effects of combined motor-cognitive training using a virtual reality treadmill with motor training using a conventional treadmill in older adults with Motoric Cognitive Risk (MCR) syndrome. MCR is a geriatric condition characterized by slow gait speed and subjective cognitive complaints. The coexistence of motor and cognitive impairments in individuals with MCR significantly increases their risk of developing dementia. To date, randomized controlled trials investigating active interventions that simultaneously target both motor and cognitive functions remain scarce. This study will examine whether 18 training sessions, delivered over six weeks at a frequency of three 1-hour sessions per week, using a virtual reality treadmill lead to greater improvements in motor and cognitive outcomes compared to conventional treadmill training.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age ≥ 65
• English speaking
• Normal cognition (CDR=0)
• Meet MCR criteria
• Voluntary consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Major chronic unstable disease or neurological condition (e.g., seizures)
• Diagnosed dementia
• Active psychiatric conditions
• Musculoskeletal conditions that affect walking for more than 2 minutes
• Severe visual or hearing impairments
• Sedating drugs (new use of narcotics or anxiolytics within the past month or chronic use that causes sedation)
• Currently engaged in other non-pharmacological interventions to improve cognition or walking