Clinical Research Directory

Effects of Short-Term Creatine Supplementation on Cognitive Function in Healthy Young Adults

This study examined whether short-term creatine supplementation affects cognitive function in healthy young adults. Participants were randomly assigned to take either creatine monohydrate or a placebo for 10 days. Participants took 30 grams per day, divided into six 5-gram doses. Before and after the supplementation period, participants completed cognitive tests designed to assess areas such as memory, attention, reaction time, and processing speed. Participants also completed a 30-minute mentally challenging Stroop task, and brain oxygenation was measured during cognitive testing using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). The purpose of the study was to determine whether 10 days of high-dose creatine supplementation improves cognitive performance compared with placebo following a mentally challenging task.

Effects of Strength Training Combined With Sustainable Source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Muscle Strength and Cognitive Functions in Adults Controlled Trial

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effects of 12-week supplementation with algae-derived DHA combined with strength training on muscle strength, neuromuscular parameters, post-exercise inflammation and cognitive functions in healthy adults compared to fish-derived EPA and DHA combined with strength training, strength training alone and control group. The research methods and measurement tools include: * Body composition assessed prior to the training intervention and after 12 weeks of training: body mass index (BMI) and body composition - fat mass \[kg\], body fat percentage \[%\] and skeletal muscle mass \[kg\] - will be determined using bioimpedance methods (In Body 720, Biospace, Seoul, Korea) following an overnight fast. * Assessment of physical activity levels using the long version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). * Assessment of mood (UMACL Adjective Mood Scale) and depression (DASS-21, Beck Depression Scale). * The SarQoL (Sarcopenia and Quality of Life) questionnaire, used to specifically assess quality of life in people with reduced muscle mass and function. * Assessment of participants' diet: each participant will be required to record their diet in 3-day food diaries (to be checked on the first day of testing). * Blood sampling: blood will be collected from each participant at two time points before and after the intervention (on an empty stomach, and 40 minutes after the training session). The following will be collected: 1 × 6 ml blood count tube and 3 tubes with a clotting activator, with a total volume of 20 ml. Blood will be collected before the start of the training intervention and after 12 weeks of training. The tubes will be centrifuged at 4 °C (4000 × g for 10 minutes). The serum, plasma and erythrocyte fractions will then be frozen at -80 °C until analysis. * Peak force, relative peak force and force at 150, 200 and 250 milliseconds during isometric mid-thigh pull-ups using a Kistler platform (Kistler dynamometer platform, model 9286BA, with MARS software). The maximum load (1RM) will also be measured for each participant. Upper limb grip strength will be measured using a SAEHAN electronic dynamometer. * In addition, muscle electrical activity using a Noraxon Telemyo surface electromyograph will be assessed. * Cognitive function will be assessed using the following tests: the Stroop Test, the Corsi Block-Tapping Task and the Pattern Separation Task. All analysis (beside IPAQ) will be performed before and after 12 weeks of intervention. * During the study, all participants will take part in a strength training session (around 40 mins duration) led by an experienced trainer to stimulate the muscles to release myokines. * Blood tests will include: BDNF, IGF-1, IL-6, hs-CRP, TNF-alpha, and IL-1B as well as concentrations of metabolites of the kynurenine pathway.

Hormone thERapy Effects on BRAin-HEART Health During the Menopausal Transition

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether it is feasible to conduct a larger study comparing transdermal menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) versus no hormone therapy in menopausal women with vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes and night sweats) and at least one cardiovascular risk factor. The main questions it aims to answer are: * What proportion of eligible women agree to be randomly assigned to either receive MHT or not? * How many participants complete the 12-month follow-up, including repeat heart imaging? * Does transdermal MHT affect early changes in heart muscle tissue as measured by cardiac MRI? Researchers will compare immediate initiation of transdermal estradiol (a skin gel or patch) to a no-hormone therapy strategy to see if MHT influences early cardiovascular and brain-vascular changes over 12 months. Participants will: * Be randomly assigned to start transdermal MHT within 2 weeks, or to use no hormone therapy for at least the first 3 months * Undergo a cardiac MRI and retinal eye imaging at the start of the study and again at 12 months * Complete cognitive testing and questionnaires about symptoms, sleep, and stress at both visits * Provide a blood sample for storage and future analysis of heart and brain health markers * Receive follow-up phone calls at 3, 6, and 9 months to review symptoms, medications, and any health changes

Prediction of Cognitive Test Performance Using AI-Based Analysis of Narrative Speech

This study aims to evaluate a new artificial intelligence (AI)-based method for measuring cognitive function using speech recordings. Participants will complete a short storytelling task in which they describe a story based on an image while their voice is recorded using a computer or mobile device. The speech recordings will be analyzed using AI technology to identify patterns in speech that may be related to cognitive function. The system will then estimate scores that correspond to commonly used cognitive tests. To evaluate the accuracy of this method, the AI-generated scores will be compared with results from standard cognitive assessments administered by trained researchers. These assessments may include tests commonly used to measure memory, attention, and other cognitive abilities. The goal of this study is to determine whether speech analysis using AI can provide a convenient and efficient approach for cognitive assessment. If successful, this technology may help support early detection of cognitive decline and provide a practical tool for large-scale or remote cognitive screening.