Mild Cognitive ImpairmentNCT02737878
Reshaping the Path of Mild Cognitive Impairment by Refining Exercise Prescription
A study testing Aerobic Training, Resistance Training and Balance and Tone Training in people with Mild Cognitive Impairment, run by University of British Columbia at 1 site in Canada.
Trial summary
Dementia is one of the most pressing health care issues of the 21st century. Evidence suggests that exercise enhances cognitive function in healthy older adults. Most research has focused on aerobic training (AT). Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 65 to 80 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Mild Cognitive Impairment
- What is being tested?
- Aerobic Training, Resistance Training and Balance and Tone Training
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 226 participants
- Where
- 1 siteCanada
- Study dates
- 13 Nov 2017to 26 Aug 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 65 to 80 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Community-dwelling in Metro Vancouver
- Have subjective memory complaints, defined as the self-reported feeling of memory worsening with an onset within the last 5 years, as determined by interview and corroborated by an informant
- Have a baseline Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score < 26/30
- Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score = or > 22 at screening
- Read, write, and speak English
- Not expected to start or are stable on a fixed dose of anti-dementia medications (e.g., donepezil, galantamine, etc.) during the 6-month intervention period
Show all 10Show fewer
- Able to walk independently
- Must be in sufficient health to participate in the exercise programs
- Able to comply with scheduled visits, treatment plan, and other trial procedures
- Provide a personally signed and dated informed consent document indicating that the individual (or a legally acceptable representative) has been informed of all pertinent aspects of the trial. In addition, an assent form will be provided at baseline and again at regular intervals
Who cannot join
- Engaged in moderate (e.g., brisk walking) physical activity > 1 time per week, or > 60 minutes per week, in the 3 months prior to study entry
- Diagnosed with dementia of any type
- Clinically suspected to have neurodegenerative disease as the cause of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) that is not Alzheimer's Disease (AD), vascular cognitive impairment (VCI), or both (e.g., multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, frontotemporal dementia)
- At high risk for cardiac complications during exercise or unable to self-regulate activity or to understand recommended activity level; 5) have clinically important peripheral neuropathy or severe musculoskeletal or joint disease that impairs mobility, as determined by his/her family physician
- Taking medications that may negatively affect cognitive function, such as anticholinergics, including agents with pronounced anticholinergic properties (e.g., amitriptyline), major tranquilizers (i.e., typical and atypical antipsychotics), and anticonvulsants (e.g., gabapentin, valproic acid)
- On any hormone therapy (estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone) in the last 24 months
- Planning to participate, or already enrolled in, a concurrent clinical drug or exercise trial
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Canada1 site
University of British Columbia
Vancouver, British Columbia, V5Z 1M9
About this study
Official title: Reshaping the Path of Mild Cognitive Impairment by Refining Exercise Prescription: Understanding Training Type and Exploring Mechanisms
Dementia is one of the most pressing health care issues of the 21st century. Evidence suggests that exercise enhances cognitive function in healthy older adults. Most research has focused on aerobic training (AT). Therefore, investigators aim to assess the individual effects of AT and resistance training (RT), as well as the interaction effect of combining the two types of exercise training, on cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment.
Read the detailed description
Investigators will conduct a 6-month assessor-blinded randomized-controlled trial of 216 community-dwelling adults with mild cognitive impairment. Individuals will be randomized to one of four experimental groups, all which receive 6 months of exercise classes four times per week: 1) combined aerobic training and resistance training; 2) aerobic training; 3) resistance training; or 4) balance and toning exercise. There will be two measurement sessions: baseline and 6 months (end of intervention period). A 12-month followup (i.e., 18 months from baseline) measurement will also be done.
- Conditions
- Mild Cognitive Impairment
- Being tested
- Aerobic Training, Resistance Training, Balance and Tone Training
- Medical subject headings
- Cognitive Dysfunction
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Aerobic TrainingBehavioural
Six months of twice-weekly aerobic training that will gradually progress in intensity. Each training session will be 60 minutes (10 minutes of warm-up, 40 minutes of training, and 10 minutes of cool-down).
To meet the public health mandates of COVID-19, when it is necessary, training will occur at home, with the use of wearables to monitor heart rate. Participants will be provided access to instructional videos either by YouTube or DVD. They will be called on a weekly basis to monitor progress and adherence.
Resistance TrainingBehavioural
Six months of twice-weekly resistance training program that will gradually progress in intensity. Each training session will be 60 minutes (10 minutes of warm-up, 40 minutes of training, and 10 minutes of cool-down).
To meet the public health mandates of COVID-19, when it is necessary, training will occur at home, with the use of a set of resistance bands of various weights. Participants will be provided access to instructional videos either by YouTube or DVD. They will be called on a weekly basis to monitor progress and adherence.
Balance and Tone TrainingBehavioural
Six months of twice-weekly stretching and relaxation program that includes stretching exercises, range of motion exercises, basic core-strength/kegal exercises, static balance exrecises, functional strength exercises (e.g., sit to stand), and relaxation techniques. Each session will be 60 minutes.
To meet the public health mandates of COVID-19, when it is necessary, training will occur at home, with the use of small equipment (e.g., pilate ball). Participants will be provided access to instructional videos either by YouTube or DVD. They will be called on a weekly basis to monitor progress and adherence.
Balance and Tone TrainingBehavioural
Six months of twice-weekly stretching and relaxation program that includes stretching exercises, range of motion exercises, basic core-strength/kegal exercises, static balance exrecises, functional strength exercises (e.g., sit to stand), and relaxation techniques. Each session will be 60 minutes.
To meet the public health mandates of COVID-19, when it is necessary, training will occur at home, with the use of small equipment (e.g., pilate ball). Participants will be provided access to instructional videos either by YouTube or DVD. They will be called on a weekly basis to monitor progress and adherence.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Aerobic Training and Resistance Training (AT&RT) | Experimental | The AT\&RT program will be a four-times-per week program. Twice a week will be aerobic training (AT) with a series of standardized AT exercise stations. Participants rotate through each station within the 40-min training duration with approx. 1-min rest between stations. Participants will exercise initially at approximately 50% of their age specific target heart rate reserve and gradually progress to reach the target of 80% of HRR. The other two days a week will be resistance training (RT) in which a pressurized air system and free weights will be used to provide the training stimulus. The initial intensity of the training stimulus will be set to a weight where participants can complete 2 sets of 10-15 repetitions. Training intensity will then progress on a cyclic basis from 45 to 85% of predicted 1 repetition maximum (1RM) as determined at week 6 using an 8-repetition maximum (8RM) test. Every 4 weeks, the 8RM test is repeated and the cycle repeats. Receives: Behavioral: Aerobic Training; Behavioral: Resistance Training |
| Aerobic Training (AT) | Experimental | The AT program will be a four-times-per week program. Twice a week will be AT with a series of standardized AT exercise stations (e.g., treadmills, stationary cycles, aerobic steppers, agility ladders). Participants rotate through each station within the 40-min training duration with approx. 1-min rest between stations. Participants will exercise initially at approximately 50% of their age specific target heart rate reserve and gradually progress to reach the target of 80% of HRR. The other two days per week will be a balance and tone (CON) program consisting of stretching exercises, range of motion exercises, basic core-strength/kegal exercises, static balance exrecises, functional strength exercises (e.g., sit to stand), and relaxation techniques. Other than bodyweight, no additional loading (e.g., hand weights, resistance bands, etc.) will be applied to any of the CON exercises. Receives: Behavioral: Aerobic Training; Behavioral: Balance and Tone Training |
| Resistance Training (RT) | Experimental | The RT program will be a four-times-per week program. Twice a week will be RT in which a pressurized air system and free weights will be used to provide the training stimulus. The initial intensity of the training stimulus will be set to a weight where participants can complete 2 sets of 10-15 repetitions. Training intensity will then progress on a cyclic basis from 45 to 85% of predicted 1 RM as determined at week 6 using an 8RM test. Every 4 weeks, the 8RM test is repeated and the cycle repeats.The other two days per week will be a CON program consisting of stretching exercises, range of motion exercises, basic core-strength/kegal exercises, static balance exrecises, functional strength exercises (e.g., sit to stand), and relaxation techniques. Other than bodyweight, no additional loading (e.g., hand weights, resistance bands, etc.) will be applied to any of the CON exercises. Receives: Behavioral: Resistance Training; Behavioral: Balance and Tone Training |
| Balance and Tone Program (CON) | Active comparator | The CON program will be a four-times-per week program. The CON group will consiste of stretching exercises, range of motion exercises, basic core-strength/kegal exercises, static balance exrecises, functional strength exercises (e.g., sit to stand), and relaxation techniques. Other than bodyweight, no additional loading (e.g., hand weights, resistance bands, etc.) will be applied to any of the CON exercises. Receives: Behavioral: Balance and Tone Training |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Cognitive function as measured by Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale Cognitive Subscale Plus (ADAS-Plus)
Cognition
Measured: Baseline to 6 months
Secondary outcomes (55)
Executive functions as measured by standard neuropsychological and computerized tests
Executive functions
Measured: Baseline and 6 months and 18 months
Intraindividual variability (IIV) in executive functions as measured by the NIH ToolBox Cognitive Battery
IIV of executive functions
Measured: Baseline and 6 months and 18 months
Cardiometabolic risk factors as measured by blood panel
Cardiometabolic risk factors
Measured: Baseline and 6 months
Health related quality of life as measured by the EuroQol five dimensions questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L)
Quality of life
Measured: Baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, and 18 months
Health related quality of life as measured by the ICE-CAP
Quality of life
Measured: Baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, and 18 months
Mood as measured by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D)
Depressive symptoms
Measured: Baseline and 6 months
Brain function as measured by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)
Brain function
Measured: Baseline and 6 months
Brain structure as measured by structural magnetic resonance imaging
Brain structure
Measured: Baseline and 6 months
White matter lesion volume as measured by magnetic resonance imaging
White matter lesion
Measured: Baseline and 6 months
Diffusion tensor imaging as measured by magnetic resonance imaging
White matter integrity
Measured: Baseline and 6 months
Memory as measured by standard neuropsychological and computerized tests
Memory
Measured: Baseline and 6 months and 18 months
Intraindividual variability (IIV) in memory as measured by the NIH ToolBox Cognitive Battery
IIV of memory
Measured: Baseline and 6 months and 18 months
Visualspatial ability as measured by standard neuropsychological and computerized tests
Visualspatial ability
Measured: Baseline and 6 months
Cardiorespiratory capacity as measured by treadmill test
Cardiovascular fitness
Measured: Baseline and 6 months
Mobility as measured by 400-m walk
Mobility
Measured: Baseline and 6 months and 18 months
Cardiorespiratory capacity esimated from 400-m walk
Estimated cardiovascular fitness
Measured: Baseline and 6 months and 18 months
Cardiometabolic risk as measured by waist to hip ratio
Cardiometabolic risk
Measured: Baseline and 6 months and 18 months
Cardiometabolic risk as measured by body mass index
Cardiometabolic risk
Measured: Baseline and 6 months and 18 months.
Cardiometabolic risk as measured by pulse wave velocity (arterial stiffness)
Cardiometabolic risk
Measured: Baseline and 6 months
Cortisol levels through saliva samples (subset)
Cortisol levels
Measured: 5 times from baseline to 6 months
Lower body strength as measured by the 30 sec sit-to-stand (subset)
Lower body strength
Measured: Baseline and 6 months and 18 months
Lower body strength as measured by Biodex
Lower body strength
Measured: Baseline and 6 months
Upper body strength as measured by grip strength
Upper body strength
Measured: Baseline and 6 months
Sleep quality as measured by Motion Watch actigraphy
Sleep quality
Measured: Baseline and 6 months
Neurotrophic factors as measured by blood
Neurotrophic factors
Measured: Baseline and 6 months
Mobility as measured by Short Physical Performance Battery
Mobility
Measured: Baseline and 6 months and 18 months
Community mobility as measured by the Life Space Questionnaire
Mobility
Measured: Baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, and 18 months
Body composition as measured by DXA
Body composition (lean \& fat mass)
Measured: Baseline and 6 months
Loneliness as measured by the UCLA Loneliness Scale
Loneliness
Measured: Baseline and 6 months
Cognitive function as measured by Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale Cognitive Subscale - 13 items
Cognitive function
Measured: Baseline and 6 months and 18 months
Sedentary behaviour as measure by the Sedentary Behaviour Questionnaire
Sedentary behaviour
Measured: Baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, and 18 months
Risk of sleep apnea as measured by the STOP Bang Questionnaire
Sleep apnea risk
Measured: Baseline and 6 months
Prospective falls via Monthly Calendars
Accidental falls
Measured: Baseline and 3 months and 6 months and monthly
Social support as measured by Social Provision Scale
Social support
Measured: Baseline and 6 months
Mindfulness as measured by the Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale
Mindfulness
Measured: Baseline and 6 months
Memory as measured by the Everyday Memory Questionnaire
Memory
Measured: Baseline and 6 months
Sleep as measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index
Sleep
Measured: Baseline, 6 months, 12 months, and 18 months
Functional ability as measured by the Lawson IADL
Instrumental activities of daily living
Measured: Baseline and 6 months
Comorbidities as measured by the Function Comorbidity Index
Chronic conditions
Measured: Baseline, 6 months, 12 months, and 18 months
Mood as measured by the State and Trait Anxiety Inventory
Mood
Measured: Baseline and 6 months and 18 months
Social network as measured by Lubben Social Network Scale
Social network
Measured: Baseline and 6 months
Physical activity as measured by the CHAMP Questionnaire
Physical Activity Level
Measured: Baseline and 3 months and 6 months and monthly
ADAS-Cog Plus
Cognitive function
Measured: 18 months
Verbal memory and learning using the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test
Verbal memory and learning
Measured: Baseline, 6 months, and 18 months
Verbal fluency (categorial of animals and semantic using F,A,S)
Verbal functioning tests requiring retrieval
Measured: Baseline, 6 months, and 18 months
Cytokines - proteins involved in immune response, as measured by blood
Cytokines
Measured: Baseline and 6 months
Dual-task gait using Gaitrite
Dual-task walking
Measured: Baseline and 6 months
Health resource utilization (e.g., access health system services/resources)
Access health system services/resources
Measured: Baseline, 3 months, and 6 months
Physical activity level (i.e., amount of light, moderate, and vigorous) measured by Motion Watch actigraphy
Physical activity levels
Measured: Baseline and 6 months
Sedentary behaviour (i.e., less than = or less than1.5 mets of activity) measured by Motion Watch actigraphy
Sedentary behaviour
Measured: Baseline and 6 months
Quality of life measured by EQ-5D-5L
Quality of life
Measured: Baseline, 3 months, 6 months, and 18 months
Wellbeing measured by ICE-CAP
Wellbeing
Measured: Baseline, 3 months, 6 months, and 18 months
Telemere length
Marker of aging
Measured: Baseline and 6 months
Gait speed over 4-m walk
Gait Speed
Measured: Baseline, 6 months, and 18 months
Brain Age as derived from T1 structural scans
Brain Age
Measured: Basline and 6 months
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted14 Apr 2016 (estimated)
- Study start13 Nov 2017
- Primary completion22 Aug 2024
- Study completion26 Aug 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (2)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Mild Cognitive ImpairmentStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by University of British ColumbiaThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Factorial
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 226 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of British Columbia
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Teresa Liu-Ambrose, University of British Columbia
- Investigators
- Teresa Liu-Ambrose, PhD, PT, Principal investigator, University of British ColumbiaJohn Best, PhD, Principal investigator, University of British ColumbiaJennifer Davis, PhD, Principal investigator, University of British ColumbiaLara Boyd, PhD, Principal investigator, University of British ColumbiaLiisa Galea, PhD, Principal investigator, University of British ColumbiaCharlie Goldsmith, PhD, Principal investigator, Simon Fraser UniversityGing-Yuek Robin Hsiung, MD, PhD, Principal investigator, University of British ColumbiaAlexander MacKay, PhD, Principal investigator, University of British Columbia
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT02737878
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- H15-02181
- Status last verified
- Mar 2026
- First submitted
- 11 Apr 2016
- Last updated
- 19 Mar 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Balbim GM, Boa Sorte Silva NC, Falck RS, Kramer AF, Voss MW, Liu-Ambrose T. 24-hour activity cycle behaviors and gray matter volume in mild cognitive impairment. Alzheimers Dement. 2025 Jul;21(7):e70496. doi: 10.1002/alz.70496.
PubMed 40693459Barha CK, Falck RS, Best JR, Nagamatsu LS, Hsiung GR, Sheel AW, Hsu CL, Kramer AF, Voss MW, Erickson KI, Davis JC, Shoemaker JK, Boyd L, Crockett RA, Ten Brinke L, Bherer L, Singer J, Galea LAM, Jacova C, Bullock A, Grant S, Liu-Ambrose T. Reshaping the path of mild cognitive impairment by refining exercise prescription: a study protocol of a randomized controlled trial to understand the "what," "for whom," and "how" of exercise to promote cognitive function. Trials. 2022 Sep 9;23(1):766. doi: 10.1186/s13063-022-06699-7.
PubMed 36085237
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 19 Mar 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Reshaping the Path of Mild Cognitive Impairment by Refining Exercise Prescription: Understanding Training Type and Exploring Mechanisms
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT02737878
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- H15-02181
- Conditions
- Mild Cognitive Impairment
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 226 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- University of British ColumbiaUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 13 Nov 2017 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 22 Aug 2024 (actual)
- Study completion
- 26 Aug 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 14 Apr 2016 (estimated)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Dementia is one of the most pressing health care issues of the 21st century. Evidence suggests that exercise enhances cognitive function in healthy older adults. Most research has focused on aerobic training (AT). Therefore, investigators aim to assess the individual effects of AT and resistance training (RT), as well as the interaction effect of combining the two types of exercise training, on cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment.
Detailed description
Investigators will conduct a 6-month assessor-blinded randomized-controlled trial of 216 community-dwelling adults with mild cognitive impairment. Individuals will be randomized to one of four experimental groups, all which receive 6 months of exercise classes four times per week: 1) combined aerobic training and resistance training; 2) aerobic training; 3) resistance training; or 4) balance and toning exercise. There will be two measurement sessions: baseline and 6 months (end of intervention period). A 12-month followup (i.e., 18 months from baseline) measurement will also be done.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Factorial
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 4
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Aerobic Training and Resistance Training (AT&RT) | Experimental | Behavioral: Aerobic Training, Behavioral: Resistance TrainingThe AT\&RT program will be a four-times-per week program. Twice a week will be aerobic training (AT) with a series of standardized AT exercise stations. Participants rotate through each station within the 40-min training duration with approx. 1-min rest between stations. Participants will exercise initially at approximately 50% of their age specific target heart rate reserve and gradually progress to reach the target of 80% of HRR. The other two days a week will be resistance training (RT) in which a pressurized air system and free weights will be used to provide the training stimulus. The initial intensity of the training stimulus will be set to a weight where participants can complete 2 sets of 10-15 repetitions. Training intensity will then progress on a cyclic basis from 45 to 85% of predicted 1 repetition maximum (1RM) as determined at week 6 using an 8-repetition maximum (8RM) test. Every 4 weeks, the 8RM test is repeated and the cycle repeats. |
| Aerobic Training (AT) | Experimental | Behavioral: Aerobic Training, Behavioral: Balance and Tone TrainingThe AT program will be a four-times-per week program. Twice a week will be AT with a series of standardized AT exercise stations (e.g., treadmills, stationary cycles, aerobic steppers, agility ladders). Participants rotate through each station within the 40-min training duration with approx. 1-min rest between stations. Participants will exercise initially at approximately 50% of their age specific target heart rate reserve and gradually progress to reach the target of 80% of HRR. The other two days per week will be a balance and tone (CON) program consisting of stretching exercises, range of motion exercises, basic core-strength/kegal exercises, static balance exrecises, functional strength exercises (e.g., sit to stand), and relaxation techniques. Other than bodyweight, no additional loading (e.g., hand weights, resistance bands, etc.) will be applied to any of the CON exercises. |
| Resistance Training (RT) | Experimental | Behavioral: Resistance Training, Behavioral: Balance and Tone TrainingThe RT program will be a four-times-per week program. Twice a week will be RT in which a pressurized air system and free weights will be used to provide the training stimulus. The initial intensity of the training stimulus will be set to a weight where participants can complete 2 sets of 10-15 repetitions. Training intensity will then progress on a cyclic basis from 45 to 85% of predicted 1 RM as determined at week 6 using an 8RM test. Every 4 weeks, the 8RM test is repeated and the cycle repeats.The other two days per week will be a CON program consisting of stretching exercises, range of motion exercises, basic core-strength/kegal exercises, static balance exrecises, functional strength exercises (e.g., sit to stand), and relaxation techniques. Other than bodyweight, no additional loading (e.g., hand weights, resistance bands, etc.) will be applied to any of the CON exercises. |
| Balance and Tone Program (CON) | Active comparator | Behavioral: Balance and Tone TrainingThe CON program will be a four-times-per week program. The CON group will consiste of stretching exercises, range of motion exercises, basic core-strength/kegal exercises, static balance exrecises, functional strength exercises (e.g., sit to stand), and relaxation techniques. Other than bodyweight, no additional loading (e.g., hand weights, resistance bands, etc.) will be applied to any of the CON exercises. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 65 to 80 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (10 listed)
- Community-dwelling in Metro Vancouver
- Have subjective memory complaints, defined as the self-reported feeling of memory worsening with an onset within the last 5 years, as determined by interview and corroborated by an informant
- Have a baseline Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score < 26/30
- Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score = or > 22 at screening
- Read, write, and speak English
Key exclusion criteria (7 listed)
- Engaged in moderate (e.g., brisk walking) physical activity > 1 time per week, or > 60 minutes per week, in the 3 months prior to study entry
- Diagnosed with dementia of any type
- Clinically suspected to have neurodegenerative disease as the cause of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) that is not Alzheimer's Disease (AD), vascular cognitive impairment (VCI), or both (e.g., multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, frontotemporal dementia)
- At high risk for cardiac complications during exercise or unable to self-regulate activity or to understand recommended activity level; 5) have clinically important peripheral neuropathy or severe musculoskeletal or joint disease that impairs mobility, as determined by his/her family physician
- Taking medications that may negatively affect cognitive function, such as anticholinergics, including agents with pronounced anticholinergic properties (e.g., amitriptyline), major tranquilizers (i.e., typical and atypical antipsychotics), and anticonvulsants (e.g., gabapentin, valproic acid)
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Aerobic TrainingSix months of twice-weekly aerobic training that will gradually progress in intensity. Each training session will be 60 minutes (10 minutes of warm-up, 40 minutes of training, and 10 minutes of cool-down). To meet the public health mandates of COVID-19, when it is necessary, training will occur at home, with the use of wearables to monitor heart rate. Participants will be provided access to instructional videos either by YouTube or DVD. They will be called on a weekly basis to monitor progress and adherence. | Behavioural | Aerobic Training (AT), Aerobic Training and Resistance Training (AT&RT) |
| Resistance TrainingSix months of twice-weekly resistance training program that will gradually progress in intensity. Each training session will be 60 minutes (10 minutes of warm-up, 40 minutes of training, and 10 minutes of cool-down). To meet the public health mandates of COVID-19, when it is necessary, training will occur at home, with the use of a set of resistance bands of various weights. Participants will be provided access to instructional videos either by YouTube or DVD. They will be called on a weekly basis to monitor progress and adherence. | Behavioural | Aerobic Training and Resistance Training (AT&RT), Resistance Training (RT) |
| Balance and Tone TrainingSix months of twice-weekly stretching and relaxation program that includes stretching exercises, range of motion exercises, basic core-strength/kegal exercises, static balance exrecises, functional strength exercises (e.g., sit to stand), and relaxation techniques. Each session will be 60 minutes. To meet the public health mandates of COVID-19, when it is necessary, training will occur at home, with the use of small equipment (e.g., pilate ball). Participants will be provided access to instructional videos either by YouTube or DVD. They will be called on a weekly basis to monitor progress and adherence. | Behavioural | Aerobic Training (AT), Balance and Tone Program (CON), Resistance Training (RT) |
| Balance and Tone TrainingSix months of twice-weekly stretching and relaxation program that includes stretching exercises, range of motion exercises, basic core-strength/kegal exercises, static balance exrecises, functional strength exercises (e.g., sit to stand), and relaxation techniques. Each session will be 60 minutes. To meet the public health mandates of COVID-19, when it is necessary, training will occur at home, with the use of small equipment (e.g., pilate ball). Participants will be provided access to instructional videos either by YouTube or DVD. They will be called on a weekly basis to monitor progress and adherence. | Behavioural | Balance and Tone Program (CON) |
Primary outcome
Cognitive function as measured by Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale Cognitive Subscale Plus (ADAS-Plus)
Time frame: Baseline to 6 months
Cognition
55 secondary outcomes
Executive functions as measured by standard neuropsychological and computerized tests
Time frame: Baseline and 6 months and 18 months
Intraindividual variability (IIV) in executive functions as measured by the NIH ToolBox Cognitive Battery
Time frame: Baseline and 6 months and 18 months
Cardiometabolic risk factors as measured by blood panel
Time frame: Baseline and 6 months
Health related quality of life as measured by the EuroQol five dimensions questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L)
Time frame: Baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, and 18 months
Health related quality of life as measured by the ICE-CAP
Time frame: Baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, and 18 months
Mood as measured by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D)
Time frame: Baseline and 6 months
Brain function as measured by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)
Time frame: Baseline and 6 months
Brain structure as measured by structural magnetic resonance imaging
Time frame: Baseline and 6 months
White matter lesion volume as measured by magnetic resonance imaging
Time frame: Baseline and 6 months
Diffusion tensor imaging as measured by magnetic resonance imaging
Time frame: Baseline and 6 months
Memory as measured by standard neuropsychological and computerized tests
Time frame: Baseline and 6 months and 18 months
Intraindividual variability (IIV) in memory as measured by the NIH ToolBox Cognitive Battery
Time frame: Baseline and 6 months and 18 months
Visualspatial ability as measured by standard neuropsychological and computerized tests
Time frame: Baseline and 6 months
Cardiorespiratory capacity as measured by treadmill test
Time frame: Baseline and 6 months
Mobility as measured by 400-m walk
Time frame: Baseline and 6 months and 18 months
Cardiorespiratory capacity esimated from 400-m walk
Time frame: Baseline and 6 months and 18 months
Cardiometabolic risk as measured by waist to hip ratio
Time frame: Baseline and 6 months and 18 months
Cardiometabolic risk as measured by body mass index
Time frame: Baseline and 6 months and 18 months.
Cardiometabolic risk as measured by pulse wave velocity (arterial stiffness)
Time frame: Baseline and 6 months
Cortisol levels through saliva samples (subset)
Time frame: 5 times from baseline to 6 months
Lower body strength as measured by the 30 sec sit-to-stand (subset)
Time frame: Baseline and 6 months and 18 months
Lower body strength as measured by Biodex
Time frame: Baseline and 6 months
Upper body strength as measured by grip strength
Time frame: Baseline and 6 months
Sleep quality as measured by Motion Watch actigraphy
Time frame: Baseline and 6 months
Neurotrophic factors as measured by blood
Time frame: Baseline and 6 months
Mobility as measured by Short Physical Performance Battery
Time frame: Baseline and 6 months and 18 months
Community mobility as measured by the Life Space Questionnaire
Time frame: Baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, and 18 months
Body composition as measured by DXA
Time frame: Baseline and 6 months
Loneliness as measured by the UCLA Loneliness Scale
Time frame: Baseline and 6 months
Cognitive function as measured by Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale Cognitive Subscale - 13 items
Time frame: Baseline and 6 months and 18 months
Sedentary behaviour as measure by the Sedentary Behaviour Questionnaire
Time frame: Baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, and 18 months
Risk of sleep apnea as measured by the STOP Bang Questionnaire
Time frame: Baseline and 6 months
Prospective falls via Monthly Calendars
Time frame: Baseline and 3 months and 6 months and monthly
Social support as measured by Social Provision Scale
Time frame: Baseline and 6 months
Mindfulness as measured by the Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale
Time frame: Baseline and 6 months
Memory as measured by the Everyday Memory Questionnaire
Time frame: Baseline and 6 months
Sleep as measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index
Time frame: Baseline, 6 months, 12 months, and 18 months
Functional ability as measured by the Lawson IADL
Time frame: Baseline and 6 months
Comorbidities as measured by the Function Comorbidity Index
Time frame: Baseline, 6 months, 12 months, and 18 months
Mood as measured by the State and Trait Anxiety Inventory
Time frame: Baseline and 6 months and 18 months
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 19 Mar 2026.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 40693459Balbim GM, Boa Sorte Silva NC, Falck RS, Kramer AF, Voss MW, Liu-Ambrose T. 24-hour activity cycle behaviors and gray matter volume in mild cognitive impairment. Alzheimers Dement. 2025 Jul;21(7):e70496. doi: 10.1002/alz.70496.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 36085237Barha CK, Falck RS, Best JR, Nagamatsu LS, Hsiung GR, Sheel AW, Hsu CL, Kramer AF, Voss MW, Erickson KI, Davis JC, Shoemaker JK, Boyd L, Crockett RA, Ten Brinke L, Bherer L, Singer J, Galea LAM, Jacova C, Bullock A, Grant S, Liu-Ambrose T. Reshaping the path of mild cognitive impairment by refining exercise prescription: a study protocol of a randomized controlled trial to understand the "what," "for whom," and "how" of exercise to promote cognitive function. Trials. 2022 Sep 9;23(1):766. doi: 10.1186/s13063-022-06699-7.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Teresa Liu-Ambrose, PhD, PT principal investigator
University of British Columbia
John Best, PhD principal investigator
University of British Columbia
Jennifer Davis, PhD principal investigator
University of British Columbia
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Aerobic Training, Resistance Training and Balance and Tone Training in people with Mild Cognitive Impairment, run by University of British Columbia at 1 site in Canada.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 10 inclusion and 7 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 19 Mar 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Canada. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Cognitive function as measured by Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale Cognitive Subscale Plus (ADAS-Plus) (time frame: Baseline to 6 months). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT02737878, which also lists 2 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 19 Mar 2026; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 1 Nov 2026.