Clinical Research Directory

Effects of Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization Exercises Versus Balance Exercises in Older Adults

The aim of this study is to compare the effects of Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) based exercises and balance exercises on functional capacity, balance, muscle strength, and quality of life in older adults.

Brain Activity, Cognitive Function, and Walking Ability in Parkinson's Disease

The dual-task automated walking performance in people with Parkinson\'s disease (PD) is affected by their gait disturbances and impaired executive functions. Currently, the relationship between brain activity related to inhibitory control, executive functions, and dual-task walking performance in people with PD is not well understood. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the significance of different executive function domains on gait stability in healthy older adults and people with PD; whether brain activation related to inhibitory control is associated with gait stability in healthy older adults and people with PD.

Neural Representations of Memory Transformation (MEM_TRANS)

Investigators overarching goal is to provide evidence for the link between altered spatiotemporal (where and when) neural mechanisms and the extent of changed memory maintenance in healthy older adults and to identify potential neural markers of compensatory function (cognitive resource). Investigators preliminary studies suggest that healthy older adults, compared to younger adults, benefit behaviorally from increased coupling between frontal and parietal brain waves when retrieving and updating well-consolidated visuomotor sequence memory via stronger top-down cognitive control of memory maintenance. Thus, Investigators central hypothesis is that the dynamics across cortical and subcortical regions (i.e., spatiotemporal representations) during transitions between different levels of memory stability indicate the efficiency of memory maintenance. The rationale is that while temporal and spatial neural signatures carry distinct mechanistic information, the joint definition of spatial and temporal representations will allow the differentiation of compensatory versus neurodegenerative mechanisms.

INDIVIDUALIZED DUAL-TASK TRAINING FOR BALANCE AND MOBILITY IN OLDER ADULTS

The goal of this clinical trial is to prevent functional decline and improve mobility in healthy older adults aged 65 and over. The main questions it aims to answer are: What is the effect of individualized dual-task training on functional balance and mobility compared to standard training? Does personalized sensory and cognitive training significantly reduce the dual-task cost during walking tasks? Researchers will compare the Individualized Dual-Task Group to a Standardized Dual-Task Group and a Single-Task Control Group to see if personalized adjustments in sensory and cognitive loads lead to superior improvements in balance, gait speed, and motor-cognitive interference. Participants will: Complete an initial assessment of motor and cognitive capacities to determine individual baseline levels. Participate in a supervised exercise program 3 days a week for 8 weeks, with each session lasting 40-45 minutes. Perform motor tasks such as walking, obstacle crossing, and balance exercises while simultaneously engaging in cognitive tasks (e.g., counting, verbal fluency). (For the individualized group) Undergo weekly adjustments in exercise difficulty, including sensory manipulations like surface changes and head movements based on their performance.

Effects of Feedback and Aging on Aiming Movements in Virtual Reality

This study has two main objectives: First, to better understand how a motor task commonly used by researchers, known as the Fitts' task, is performed in virtual reality. It consists of reaching a target, which may be large or small, by extending the right arm. This task is similar to movements commonly performed in everyday life. It is also increasingly used in virtual reality video games designed to train older adults or patients with functional limitations. Secondly, the investigators aim to describe how age influences performance in this task by comparing young adults and older adults. This can help better adapt the protocols used in virtual reality to the characteristics of users. It is of particular interest how movements change when the task becomes more difficult, whether these changes differ between young adults and older adults, and whether the information and feedback provided through virtual reality can improve the quality of motor performance. What is expected of participants: Participants will be seated comfortably, wearing a lightweight virtual reality headset and holding a controller in their right hand that will be used to reach for a target by keeping the controller within the target for about one second. The targets will vary in size, so some trials will seem easier and others more difficult. The task is simply to move as quickly as possible while remaining accurate (hitting the target). This instruction is important, and the experimenter will repeat it regularly during the experiment. The task will be performed under different conditions: sometimes participants will see the actual configuration of the experimental device in the physical world through the headset, and other times they will see the same configuration presented in virtual reality. In some virtual reality conditions, participants will also receive additional visual information indicating whether the target has been hit correctly. Short breaks are scheduled at regular intervals. Additional breaks can be asked for at any time when needed. The most important point is to avoid any fatigue or discomfort. If participants experience any, they are asked and encouraged to inform the experimenter. Before starting the experiment, participants will undergo a short training session to familiarize themselves with the task and the device.

Cognitive, Physical, and Pain-Related Correlates in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

This study aims to evaluate the cognitive function, physical function, and pain levels of community-dwelling older adults to determine the impact of cognitive ability on physical function and pain. It also seeks to establish foundational data for strategies to prevent dementia and sarcopenia. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to measure the cognitive function (overall cognition, executive function, memory, attention, etc.), physical function (muscle mass, muscle strength, gait and balance ability), and pain of community-dwelling older adults, and to analyze the correlations between these factors.

Acute Cardiovascular and Neuromuscular Responses to Walking With Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) in Older Adults

The goal of this clinical trial is to explore how walking combined with different levels of partial blood flow restriction (BFR) affects cardiovascular, neuromuscular, and movement (kinematic) variables in older adults. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does walking with BFR increase internal effort, as shown by cardiovascular changes, and is this effect proportional to the level of restriction? Does walking with BFR temporarily reduce neuromuscular control, and is this reduction greater at higher restriction levels? Does walking with BFR change gait movement patterns? This study uses a crossover design, meaning that each participant will complete all four conditions and serve as their own control. Participants will: Take part in walking sessions under four conditions with different levels of restriction: BFR40%, BFR80%, SHAM (0% BFR), and CON (without BFR). Have their cardiovascular responses, muscle performance, and gait movement patterns measured. Report their perceptions of the sessions, including Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE), satisfaction, and possible side effects.

A Computer-based Memory Strategy Training Program for Older Adults

A computer-based cognitive rehabilitation program based on daily tasks utilising the semantic encoding strategies called Enhancing Memory in Daily Life (E-MinD Life) has been developed for Chinese people. The aim of the E-MinD Life is to delay functional deterioration associated with possible cognitive changes in healthy older adults, older adults with memory complaints, mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and mild dementia. This project will pilot-test the E-MinD Life in Chinese healthy older adults, older adults with memory complaints, MCI and mild dementia.

Effects of Overload Eccentric and Concentric Resistance Training on the Cost of Walking, Muscle-tendon and Jumping Performance in Healthy Older Individuals

Normal aging leads to a decline in neuromuscular and mobility functions, including a 60% reduction in maximal voluntary force production, a 25% decrease in muscle volume and quality (sarcopenia), and reduced tendon stiffness by age 70. These changes impair walking speed, balance, and increase the metabolic cost of walking by \~20% in older adults compared to younger individuals. While walking training can reduce metabolic costs, no interventions have successfully addressed the 20% age-related difference. Resistance training, particularly eccentric (muscle-lengthening) training, shows promise for improving muscle strength and mass, but its effects on functional, cognitive abilities, and walking economy in older adults remain unexplored.

Computer-based Cognitive Rehabilitation Program for Healthy Older Adults, Older People With Mild Cognitive Impairment and Mild Dementia

This study will adopt a newly developed computer-based cognitive rehabilitation program targeting the encoding stage of memory. The aims of the study are: 1. To test the feasibility of conducting a newly developed computer-based cognitive rehabilitation program for healthy older adults, people with MCI and mild dementia. 2. To test the effectiveness of the newly developed program in improving cognitive function and enabling maintenance of occupational performance in healthy older adults, people with MCI or mild dementia. Using an iPad application, study participants will learn a memory encoding strategy to support completion of their daily activities. By implementing memory encoding strategies during the mild stages of cognitive decline, the project aims to prolong independence in functional performance. It is anticipated that adoption of the same memory strategies will enable maintain performance as they may experience ongoing cognitive decline.