The ACT Trial was a study focused on older adults to explore how different activities could affect cognitive function. It involved participants from three different regions: the Midwest, Southwest, and East Coast, and it was set up as a randomized controlled trial. Participants were divided into four groups for six months: one group combined exercise with cognitive training, another focused solely on exercise, a third on cognitive training alone, and a fourth served as a control group. They were monitored for a full year after the active phase of the study.
Participants, aged 65 and older, had to speak English and live in the community without dementia. They were required to meet criteria for a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), which included specific cognitive testing and a clear ability to perform daily activities. Participants were not eligible if they had certain psychiatric or neurological disorders, or if they had specific exercise contraindications.
Recruitment for the study was thorough. Researchers reached out through various channels, such as community centers, social media, and healthcare providers. Flyers were distributed in places like libraries and fitness facilities to attract participants. This broad approach was designed to ensure a diverse group of individuals joined the study.
The researchers carefully planned how to implement the study. They created guidelines for screening, intervention delivery, and data collection. Staff were trained regularly to keep everything running smoothly. For example, they used a four-step screening process to gauge participant eligibility and health risks. This involved phone interviews, in-person assessments, physician clearances, and tests like an exercise tolerance test and MRI scans.
Once enrolled, participants engaged in their assigned groups. They were encouraged to attend three sessions each week, totaling 72 sessions over six months. The study had specific guidelines to ensure participants got the most out of their interventions while keeping attendance and adherence high. For instance, aerobic activities like cycling were closely monitored to make sure participants worked at the right intensity.
The study took measures to ensure safety, educating participants about possible adverse symptoms related to exercise and how to respond. Each session included a check-in about any health concerns arising from the previous encounters. Protocols were in place for addressing any issues, including notifying primary care providers if necessary.
Data collection focused on key outcomes such as how well participants adhered to the intervention and any safety incidents. Researchers monitored attendance and adherence rates during weekly meetings, adjusting strategies based on feedback and participant experiences. The study ensured that all processes aligned with ethical guidelines and were approved by institutional review boards.
The analysis of the results involved various statistical tests to evaluate differences across sites and among diverse groups. This analysis aimed to capture how effective the interventions were and if any demographic factors influenced outcomes.
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Alzheimer’s disease,Cognitive ageing,Exercise training,Cognitive training,Mild cognitive impairment,Clinical trials,Science,Humanities and Social Sciences,multidisciplinary
