Clinical Research Directory

Land vs. Water Exercises on Performance and Swimming Behavior in Older Adults

This study aims to investigate the effects of an 8-week combined land and aquatic exercise program (conducted 3 days per week) on physical performance, recreational swimming behaviors, and water-related risk perceptions in older adults. Physical performance is evaluated using handgrip strength and the 30-second chair sit-up test (30CST), while swimming behaviors and water-related risk perceptions are assessed via structured questionnaires.

Sandplay-Act. Older: Structured Sandplay Activity for Older Individuals

This research was planned to determine the effect of structured sandplay activities on positive and negative affect and levels of meaning in life in elderly individuals. The research will be conducted as a single-blind, randomized controlled trial with a pre-test, post-test design at the Gül Kokulu Çınarlar Vefa Konağı of the Isparta Municipality Health Affairs Directorate between July 2026 and July 2027. Prior to the research, ethical committee approval and institutional permission for implementation will be obtained. The research population consists of 400 individuals registered with the institution. The sample will consist of 60 individuals (30 in the intervention group and 30 in the control group) who meet the inclusion criteria, are selected using block randomization, and provide informed consent. The control group will receive no intervention; a pre-test will be administered on the first day, and a post-test will be administered on the day the intervention for the experimental group ends. The intervention group will participate in sandplay activities twice a week for a total of four sessions; a pre-test will be administered on the first day, and a post-test will be administered in the last session. Data collection is planned for the period between July 2026 and July 2027 using the Personal Information Form (PIF), the Positive-Negative Affect Scale (PANAS), and the Meaning in Life Scale (MLS). Data will be analyzed using the SPSS (Statistical Program for Social Sciences) statistical analysis package, and statistical significance will be accepted at p \< 0.05.

Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Acute High-Intensity Exercise Effects on Brain and Cognitive Function in Older Adults

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether a single session of high-intensity interval exercise (HIIT) affects cognitive performance and brain activity in older adults, and whether cardiorespiratory fitness influences these effects. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does a single HIIT session change performance on a task-switching test of cognitive flexibility? * Does a single HIIT session change prefrontal brain activity during cognitive testing, as measured by functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS)? * Do older adults with higher cardiorespiratory fitness show greater cognitive and brain changes in response to HIIT than those with lower fitness? Participants will: * Visit the laboratory on two separate days * Complete a sub-maximal graded exercise test during the first visit to measure cardiorespiratory fitness * Complete a single \~30-minute HIIT cycling session during the second visit * Complete a task-switching cognitive test before and after the HIIT session * Have their brain activity monitored with fNIRS while completing the cognitive tests

Effects of Freeze-dried Grape Powder on Immune Profiles in Healthy Aging Adults

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of consuming grape powder on immune profiles in healthy middle- and older-aged individuals. Specifically, the investigators are interested in evaluating the potential effects of grapes in influencing markers of immune function, inflammation, and metabolism that are known to change with aging. Grapes contain several nutrients and antioxidant polyphenols such as resveratrol, quercetin, vitamin K and fiber, which are known to promote heart and immune health. However, the effects of grapes on altering immune profiles within the context of aging is not well understood. Therefore, this study will explore how daily grape consumption impacts certain markers of immunity in healthy middle- and older-aged adults. The main study procedures include consumption of a freeze-dried grape powder and control powder (which tastes the same but has none of the grape compounds that are being studied) mixed with water as a beverage on a daily basis for 4 weeks each. The investigators will additionally ask that participants avoid eating grapes and certain other antioxidant/grape-related foods and beverages throughout the 13-week study. Participants will additionally be asked to complete surveys about their diet, physical activity, and medical history, as well as provide blood samples and body weight measures throughout the course of the study. Participation in the study is expected to last about 6.25 hours over the course of 13 weeks and will include 7 visits.

What Makes People Better at Naming Pictured Objects

This study is being conducted to learn more about how mindful breathing might be related to the ability to produce names for pictured objects. Participants will engage with an exercise about mindful breathing or an auditory presentation and then name pictured objects as quickly as they can. They will also complete some surveys and other measures and wearing equipment on their finger to monitor their heart rate throughout the study. Participation will take approximately 1 hour.

Adjuvant Nitrate to Boost Exercise-induced Health Benefits in Older Adults

Aging-related functional declines are thought to be caused by hallmark biological processes that ultimately manifest in physical, mental, and metabolic impairments to compromise intrinsic capacity and healthspan. Exercise is the only multipotent treatment with promise to mitigate many of the aging hallmarks, but there is substantial variability in individual exercise responsiveness. Thus, the investigators approach to boosting exercise responsiveness in aging is to combine an exercise training prescription containing both endurance and resistance training (in alignment with DHHS guidelines) with a nitrate-enriched dietary supplement to augment the cellular, tissue, and systemic adaptations that induce myriad health benefits of exercise in older adults.

Neuroathletic Exercise In The Elderly

Objective: The aim of this protocol study was to investigate the effect of neuroathletic exercise on walking speed, fall risk and cognitive function in the elderly. Method: The study is planned as a single-centre, double-blind, parallel group randomised controlled experimental design and will be conducted in accordance with SPIRIT. The sample of the study will consist of healthy elderly people aged 60-80 years. In order to ensure parametric conditions, the sample will be divided into two groups as experimental group (n=20) in which neuroathletic exercise will be performed and control group (n=20) in which Turkey Physical Activity Guidelines will be given and a total of 40 elderly people will be randomly assigned to the groups. The elderly assigned to the experimental and control groups according to the order of randomisation will be administered the timed up and go test (TUG), short physical performance battery (SPPB), geriatric depression scale (GDÖ), MoCA test as pre-test and post-test. The experimental group will be asked to perform neuroathletic exercises two days a week for 12 weeks under the supervision of a physiotherapist, and will be asked to perform a home exercise programme one day a week. The control group will be given the Turkish Physical Activity guide. Data will be collected by the researcher. Results: Considering the limited number of studies on the use of neuroathletic exercises in the literature, it is thought that our randomised controlled study designed to determine the effect of neuroathletic exercise on walking speed, fall risk and cognitive functions in the elderly will contribute to the literature.

cMIND AI Web Tool Usability Study (Hong Kong)

This study is testing a new web-based tool that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to help older adults in Hong Kong check how healthy their Cantonese-style meals are for brain health. The tool is based on the cMIND diet, a Chinese-adapted version of a known healthy eating pattern that may support memory and thinking skills. Participants will use the web app to take photos of their usual meals for at least 10 days over two weeks. The AI will automatically identify ingredients and give a score showing how well the meal follows the cMIND diet. The study will also ask participants to complete a short questionnaire and a brief interview to find out how easy and useful the tool is for older adults. The purpose of this small study is to see whether the AI tool is user-friendly and acceptable for older people. Results will help improve the tool for future use to support healthy ageing and brain health.

Improving Neurological Health in Aging Via Neuroplasticity-based Computerized Exercise

This study is a validation study to evaluate efficacy of a neuroplasticity-based, computerized cognitive training program INHANCE (Improving Neurological Health in Aging via Neuroplasticity-based Computerized Exercise) to improve neurological and neuropsychological health in older adults.

Reactive Balance Training for Fall Prevention

The objective of this pilot study is to evaluate and compare the effect of three different perturbation based training devices on the reactive balance control among healthy young adults, healthy older adults, and neurologically impaired stroke individuals. Furthermore, the project aims to determine the feasibility and tolerability of 30-minutes of perturbation training using the SureFooted Trainer. Overall, the project directs to find out the long term effect of training on fall risk reduction and fall prevention. This study investigates the effects of perturbation training (slip and trip) based on the principles of motor learning. Perturbations in the form of slips and trips induced by the three different types of perturbation devices will displace the center of mass outside the base of support and challenge the stability, thereby inducing a fall and demand compensatory strategies in order to prevent it. Such perturbation training would train the motor system to improve stability control and vertical limb support. The project design aims to examine the ability of the central nervous system to mitigate the interference in stability control (if any) that is induced by opposing types of perturbations. The hypothesis of this study if supported by the results, will provide the difference in motor learning with training on three different perturbation devices. Furthermore, it would help to determine which of the three training devices is the most effective in developing defense mechanisms necessary to reduce fall-risk among community-living older adults and the neurological population.

Evaluation of AppleX™ Apple Extract on Anti-Inflammatory and Healthy Aging Effects

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if AppleX™ Apple Extract can help lower systemic inflammation in adults aged 45-70 with signs of low-grade inflammation. It will also look at the extract's effects on fatigue, joint comfort, and biological aging metrics. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does taking AppleX™ Apple Extract daily lower high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels, a key marker of inflammation in the blood? * Does AppleX™ Apple Extract improve participant-reported fatigue and joint comfort? * Does the extract slow down biological or epigenetic aging metrics compared to a placebo? Researchers will compare AppleX™ Apple Extract to a placebo (a look-alike capsule that contains no active ingredients) to see if the apple extract has a measurable anti-inflammatory and healthy aging effect.

Effects of Miricell Supplementation on Biomarkers of Healthy Aging and Autophagy

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if a dietary supplement called Miricell works to improve cellular health and signs of healthy aging in adults. It will also learn about the safety of Miricell. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does Miricell improve markers of autophagy, which is the body's natural process for recycling damaged cells? * Does Miricell support brain health, metabolic health, and visible signs of aging? * What medical problems, if any, do participants experience while taking Miricell? Researchers will compare Miricell to a placebo (a look-alike capsule that contains no active ingredients) to see if Miricell works better to support healthy aging. Participants will: * Take either one Miricell capsule or a placebo every day for 12 weeks with a morning meal. * Visit the research clinic four times over the course of the study for checkups and tests. * Complete memory and thinking tests, track their daily physical activity, and give blood samples to measure health changes.

Piloting a Healthy Aging Cohort in Manitoba

The purpose of this study is to set up and pilot baseline and year 1 data collection for a prospective cohort designed to explore the relationships between medical fitness facility usage, lifestyle behaviours and health outcomes as individuals age. Additionally, this pilot study will set up the overall objectives for the larger, prospective cohort study using a public engagement participatory approach with public/patient partners involved in determining which healthy aging outcomes to include.

A Study on the Effects of Forest Therapy on Sarcopenia

Purpose: The goal of this study is to investigate the effects of an 8-week Forest Based Intervention program on muscle strength, physical performance, and psychological well-being in older women with sarcopenia. Duration: The program lasts for 8 weeks, with 2 sessions per week (16 sessions total). Each session is approximately 180 minutes. Activities: Participants will take part in a structured program at the Caoling Shibi Forest Healing Base in Yunlin. The program includes forest trail walking, resistance training using elastic bands, stretching, and sensory activities such as aromatherapy and deep breathing. Assessments: Researchers will evaluate physical indicators and psychological well-being before the program, immediately after, and at a 2-month follow-up. Goal: We hope to determine if combining structured exercise with the forest environment can effectively improve the health and quality of life for older women with sarcopenia.

Multivitamin and Mineral Supplementation and Healthy Aging

The goal of this study is to determine the impact of MVM supplementation on clinical and biochemical markers associated with healthy aging, with a particular focus on mitochondrial function and metabolism. Specifically, changes in mitochondrial respiration using isolated blood cells will be measured. This method has been used to compare with various other age-related markers of health such as physical function, gait speed, and resting metabolic rate. It is hypothesize that MVM supplementation will impact the function of blood cells. MVM supplementation impacts other markers of health, including serum nutrient levels, metabolomic profiles, physical function, and skeletal muscle composition and quality will be explored. These comprehensive assessments will provide insights into the potential benefits of MVM supplementation for healthy aging and address critical gaps in our understanding of its immediate effects. Further, this study will aid in the understanding of how multivitamin supplements can support heathy aging in mid-life adults, a key time to start including wellness programs in people's lives. The study cohort will consist of 150 sedentary men and women aged 40-60-years of age. A double-blind, three-arm, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial will be conducted. Participants will receive a daily oral tablet containing one of two possible formulations of vitamins and minerals or a placebo. The three groups will be MVM "GOLD" blend formula, the US Restage MVM "US CORE", and the placebo group.

Breathing, Relaxation, Attention Training, & Health in Older Adults (BREATHE)

A recently completed study suggested that processing speed and attention (PS/A) oriented cognitive training (VSOP) produced robust effect on PS/A and working memory, but not in cognitive control or episodic memory, and long-term effects were overall modest. The proposed R01 renewal proposes to identify additional attributes to further enhance transferred and long-term effects of PS/A training in older adults with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI) by addressing adaptation capacity that underpins adaptive learning and neuroplasticity. The goal of the stage II double-blinded randomized trial is to test whether adding resonance frequency breathing (RFB) training to VSOP will strengthen multiple contributors to adaptation capacity, particularly the central and peripheral pathways of autonomic nervous system (ANS) flexibility, which will strengthen VSOP training effect on cognitive and brain function and slow the progress of dementia in MCI. The central hypothesis is that strengthening adaptation capacity, via improving autonomic nervous system (ANS) flexibility, will enhance neuroplasticity and slow progress of dementia in MCI, since adaptation capacity is critical for neuroplasticity of VSOP, but compromised in neurodegenerative process. Older adults with MCI (n = 114) will be randomly assigned to an 8-week combined intervention (RFB+VSOP), VSOP with guided imagery relaxation (IR) control, and a waitlist IR control, with periodical booster training sessions at follow-ups. Mechanistic and distal outcomes include ANS flexibility and multiple markers of dementia progress. Data will be collected across a 14-month period. The two primary aims are to examine long-term effects of the combined intervention on ANS flexibility (Aim 1), as well as the cognitive, behavioral, and functional capacity (Aim 2). The exploratory aim will be to determine the preliminary long-term effect of the combined intervention on neurodegeneration. This can be a reasonable renewal plan from the completed study, aiming to identify additional attributes to further enhance transferred and long-term effects of cognitive training in MCI. This will be among the first randomized controlled trials to examine a novel, combined intervention targeting adaptation capacity in MCI, with an ultimate goal for slowing neurodegeneration. In addition, research on how to monitor adherence - the extent to which VSOP training is delivered and followed as intended - has been conceptually and methodologically limited. Robust monitoring of adherence to cognitive training requires valid assessment of effective engagement. Here, we apply our well-supported, novel framework of mental fatigability for measuring effective engagement in cognitive training. Mental fatigability, the failure to remain engaged in tasks requiring sustained mental effort, can be captured via measures of self-reported disengagement, increase in reaction time during tasks, and facial expression of negative valence/low arousal. These markers of disengagement relate to ventromedial prefrontal cortex dysfunction. We will apply this framework to advance understanding of the underpinnings of adherence to VSOP training by monitoring the extent of effective engagement while using the training platform.

Combined Exercise Trial

The number of older Americans will double in the next 4 decades to nearly 90 million, placing an unprecedented financial and resource burden on the health care system. Exercise has clear and demonstrable physical benefits, but a more precise understanding of how exercise supports cognitive function is essential. Demonstrating definitively that exercise as recommended by public health entities has benefits for cognition would have enormous public health implications, encourage the public to adapt more active lifestyles, and stimulate the development of effective exercise delivery programs.

Hormones, Outcomes, and Pain Pathways in Exercise Study

The goal of the proposed project is to evaluate a mechanical intervention (sports bras designed specifically for full busted women) to alleviate neck, shoulder, arm, and back pain in full-busted women and investigate the contribution of non-mechanical pathways associated with this type of pain in women. Specifically, the investigators will investigate how sex-hormones, inflammation, and remapping of specific regions of the brain contribute to the manifestation of neck, shoulder, arm, and back pain in full-busted women across the lifespan.

Swallowing Impairments in ICU Survivors and Community-Dwelling Adults

Post-intensive care syndrome (PICS), which consists of physical, cognitive, and psychosocial problems, is a pervasive complication for older intensive care unit (ICU) survivors and contributes to detrimental health outcomes and significant reductions in quality of life. Yet, little is known about the relationship between PICS, swallowing difficulties (dysphagia), and other ICU-related negative outcomes such as frailty and Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD). The primary purpose of this research study is to determine the prevalence and severity of dysphagia, risk factors for dysphagia development, recovery patterns of dysphagia over time, and the impact of dysphagia on health outcomes, quality of life, and care partner burden in adult ICU survivors with PICS.

Ageing BIOmarker Study in Singaporeans

The Ageing BIOmarker Study in Singaporeans (ABIOS) aims to understand the biological aging processes and how they affect health among people in Singapore. As people grow older, their risk of developing chronic diseases increases. This study aims to better understand the biological changes that come with age, particularly in three major ethnic groups: Chinese, Malay, and Indian adults over 21 years old. By examining a range of health indicators such as DNA methylation, inflammation, metabolism, cardiovascular health, physical function, and physical activity (i.e., molecular, physiological, and digital biomarkers of ageing), the study seeks to identify how ethnicity, lifestyle, and socioeconomic factors influence ageing. This unique study focuses on an all-Asian population, aiming to enhance our understanding of healthy aging across different ethnic groups.

Computerized Cognitive Training in Healthy Older Adults and Mild Cognitive Impairment

The overall objective of this study is to assess the effect of an adaptive computerized cognitive training program for executive functions (CogniFit platform) on improving these functions in older adults, both healthy and with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), as well as to examine the potential transfer effects of this training on memory. Additionally, determine the impact of the intervention on the emotional symptoms, behavioral disorders, or quality of life of the participants.

Sheba Healthspan Research Population (SHARP) Trial - Sheba Longevity Center Diagnostic and Intervention Protocol to Lower Biological Age in Older Adults

Background: Population aging is accelerating rapidly in Israel and worldwide, necessitating adaptation of the healthcare system and considering new approaches that serve the needs of older adult populations. Working hypothesis and aims: We hypothesize that a personalized health and behavior intervention program will decrease the biological age as assessed by several biological aging clocks and improve functional and cognitive performance among older adults. Methods: We propose to conduct a randomized study among healthy community-dwelling elderly subjects (\>50 years old). The study will include an extensive aging assessment and imaging protocol (baseline assessment), including comprehensive physical, functional, sensory, cognitive, and mental assessment. Each participant in the intervention group will receive a personalized intervention program based on an integrative systems approach analysis. In addition, a uniquely developed application will track compliance and monitor physiological data through a provided wearable device. The control group will be assessed at baseline without receiving an intervention program. Each participant will visit the center aging after 6 months for a blood test and after 12 months for a second extensive diagnostic protocol, similar to the baseline assessment protocol. About 1,500 subjects will be recruited to participate in the study. Expected results: Obtaining data at two points will allow us to examine efficiency and compliance with a personalized intervention program based on integrative systems analysis models. We expect biological age, general well-being, and various clinical and psychosocial outcomes in the intervention group will decrease and improve compared to the control group. Study importance and relevance: The obtained results may help establish evidence-based healthy aging diagnostics protocols and an effective personalized intervention program that might be applied, with proper modifications, to national healthcare organizations for the general older adult population. In addition, to provides a scientific basis on which policymakers and intervention programs can rely to develop national guidelines for promoting extended health.

Digital Technology for Active and Healthy Ageing in Taiwan

Taiwan is entering a super-aged society in 2025, with more than 20% of the population aged 65 years or older. This rapid demographic shift, combined with increasing rates of chronic diseases, frailty, and dementia, has created growing challenges for healthcare and caregiving systems. Yunlin County, particularly its coastal region, has been one of Taiwan's earliest super-aged areas, showing higher rates of diabetes (10.5%), hypertension (28%), hyperlipidemia (26%), dementia (8%), and depression (12%) compared with national averages. Lifestyle factors such as tobacco (30%), betel nut (8%), and alcohol (15%) use are also more prevalent among local residents. From 2022 to 2024, health screenings at CMU Beigang Hospital revealed a 36.1% abnormality rate among 12,222 visits, while another 5,965 assessments from the county's ICOPE program showed similarly high rates. Many older adults, particularly retired agricultural and fishing workers, experience sedentary lifestyles and polypharmacy-related risks, which worsen frailty, insomnia, depression, and cognitive decline. Low general and digital health literacy further limits their ability to adopt preventive behaviors, forming a vicious cycle between poor health and aging. To address these challenges, the Ministry of Health and Welfare launched the "Healthy Taiwan Cultivation Plan." In alignment with this initiative, this project-led by CMU Beigang Hospital in collaboration with the National Health Research Institutes-aims to develop a wearable- and mobile-based health promotion model for rural older adults. The study will integrate research-grade actigraphy (Geneactiv), a mobile health platform ("iMED"), and the in-bed sensor iCue to monitor behavior, promote active aging, and enhance health and digital literacy. Ultimately, this project seeks to establish Taiwan's first integrated digital aging database and identify digital biomarkers for predicting cognitive and functional decline in older adults.

Exoskeleton-Assisted Mobility in Aging and in Parkinson's Disease

This study will evaluate whether a wearable robotic exoskeleton can improve mobility, balance, and walking in healthy older adults and in individuals living with Parkinson's disease, populations at high risk of falls and mobility limitations. Participants will attend two laboratory sessions. The first session includes clinical assessments, fitting and familiarization with the exoskeleton, and interviews to explore user perceptions. The second session involves performing functional mobility tasks (e.g., walking, standing, turning) with and without the exoskeleton and under different assistance levels, while movement is measured using wearable sensors. The study will assess the immediate effects of the exoskeleton on mobility, compare assistance levels, identify which participants benefit most, and explore user experience and acceptability. Findings will help inform the development and implementation of assistive technologies to support mobility in healthy aging and in individuals with Parkinson's disease.