Healthy AgingMUSTNCT06995638
Improving Executive Control in Cognitively Healthy Older Adults: the MUltitasking STrategy (MUST) Study
A study testing Web-based Cognitive Training (with strategy) and Web-based Cognitive Training (without strategy) in people with Healthy Aging and Alzheimer's Disease (AD), run by Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey at 1 site in United States.
Trial summary
Developing efficient cognitive intervention for cognitively health older adults is a major public health goal, due to its potential for reducing age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease/dementia risk. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 60 to 75 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Healthy Aging, Alzheimer's Disease (AD)
- What is being tested?
- Web-based Cognitive Training (with strategy) and Web-based Cognitive Training (without strategy)
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 130 participants
- Where
- 1 siteUnited States
- Study dates
- 10 Dec 2025to Dec 2027
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
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 60 to 75 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Age 60-75
- Adequate English proficiency
- Willingness to adhere to training protocol:
- Attend 2 in-person assessments
- Attend a blood test
- Attend online intervention sessions and online follow-up assessment
Who cannot join
- Low test scores (below 26 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment)
- Known history of cognitive impairment, dementia, stroke, seizure disorder, or other neuropsychiatric condition judged to impact cognitive performance.
- Taking medications known to influence cognitive performance.
- Sensory (e.g. visual, auditory) or physical (e.g. severe arthritic, orthopedic, neurologic) impairment incompatible with use of a standard computer workstation.
- Enrolled in a concurrent study that could affect the outcome of this study.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Ana Staniscia Associate Research, MS contact
United States1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Behavior Health Sciences Building, F-Level
Newark, New Jersey, 07103
Thamiris Gonçalves Clinical Research Coordinator, MS, 973-972-2977, engaging.lab@rutgers.edu
Ana Staniscia, MA, ana.staniscia@rutgers.edu
About this study
Official title: Web-based Technology and Cognitive Training: Improving Executive Control in Cognitively Healthy Older Adults: the MUltitasking STrategy (MUST) Study
Developing efficient cognitive intervention for cognitively health older adults is a major public health goal, due to its potential for reducing age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease/dementia risk. Executive Control is a relevant cognitive target since it declines with aging and is critical for multi-tasking in daily life. The proposed research investigates whether playing a web-based cognitive complex game (the Breakfast Game) impacts cognitive performance in cognitively healthy older adults. To be enrolled in the study, participants will be asked to undergo a cognitive sassessment, health questionnires, and a blood exam. The intervention consist in one educational session on healthy aging, and 10 one-hour cognitive training sessions 2-3 times a week over one month. Participants will be asked to repeat the cognitive assessment within 1-2 weeks after the intervention, and after three months.
Read the detailed description
The proposed research investigates whether exposure to a web-based training protocol designed to enhance executive control / multi-tasking abilities will improve cognitive performance in cognitively healthy older adults. Cognitively normal adults aged 60-75 will be randomized into three groups: 1) Web-based game with training strategy (Experimental); 2) Web-based game without training strategy (Active Control); 3) No intervention group (Passive control). Participants in groups 1 and 2 will be instructed to play the complex, high-demand online game, the Breakfast Game, for 10 one-hour sessions over 4 weeks. At study entry all participants will be asked to complete a cognitive assessment, health questionnaires, a blood exam and and education session on healthy aging. After the intervention, participants will be asked to repeat the cogntive assessment within 1-2 weeks, and after 3 months.
- Conditions
- Healthy Aging, Alzheimer's Disease (AD)
- Being tested
- Web-based Cognitive Training (with strategy), Web-based Cognitive Training (without strategy)
- Keywords
- Aging, Cognition, Executive Functions, Randomized Controlled Trial, Cognitive Training, Neuropsychology
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Web-based Cognitive Training (with strategy)Behavioural
Participants will learn to play a complex online game using specific guidance or strategy.
Web-based Cognitive Training (without strategy)Behavioural
Participants will learn to play a complex online game without specific guidance or strategy.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Strategy Training | Experimental | Participants will undergo a web-based training protocol that involves playing an online game simulating a breakfast environment, where they will perform everyday activities such as "cooking" and "setting tables" in a multitasking fashion. Participants will learn to play the game using specific strategies to optimize their performance. Receives: Behavioral: Web-based Cognitive Training (with strategy) |
| Regular Training | Active comparator | Participants will undergo a web-based training protocol that involves playing an online game simulating a breakfast environment, where they will perform everyday activities such as "cooking" and "setting tables" in a multitasking fashion. Participants will learn to play the game under regular game instructions. Receives: Behavioral: Web-based Cognitive Training (without strategy) |
| Passive Control | No intervention | Not described |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Changes in the Breakfast Game scores
Change in the total game performance based on specific scores (number of tables and cooking scores). Higher scores represent better game outcomes.
Measured: Training session 1, week 1; training 10, approximately 4 weeks.
Transfer to complex executive/attention control measure (Proximal outcome).
Alphanumeric Task score.
Measured: At baseline (week 1); post-intervention (weeks 10th to 12th); and at 3-month follow-up (week 24th)
Secondary outcomes (4)
Transfer to executive functions composite measure (Proximal outcome)
Average z-score computed with tests involving working memory, divided attention, and inhibitory control (Letter-Number, UFOV and Stroop)
Measured: At baseline (week 1); post-intervention (weeks 10th to 12th); and at 3-month follow-up (week 24th)
Transfer to Everyday Cognition Scale (ECOG) (Distal outcome)
Scores on a scale that measures cognitive difficulties in everyday life. A higher score indicates higher levels of cognitive difficulties or change.
Measured: At baseline (week 1); post-intervention (weeks 10th to 12th); and at 3-month follow-up (week 24th)
Transfer to Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) (Distal outcome)
Scores on a scale that measures attention awareness. A higher score indicates higher levels of attention awareness.
Measured: At baseline (week 1); post-intervention (weeks 10th to 12th); and at 3-month follow-up (week 24th)
Transfer to Self Efficacy for Cognitive Everyday Tasks (Distal outcome)
Scores on a scale that measures self-efficacy. A higher score indicates higher levels of self-efficacy.
Measured: At baseline (week 1); post-intervention (weeks 10th to 12th); and at 3-month follow-up (week 24th)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted29 May 2025
- Study start10 Dec 2025
- Primary completionDec 2027 (estimated)
- Study completionDec 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (3)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Healthy AgingStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyThe 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
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 130 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- National Institute on Aging (NIA)
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Sharon Sanz Simon, Ph.D., Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
- Investigators
- Sharon Sanz Simon Assistant Professor, Ph.D., Principal investigator, Rutgers University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06995638
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- Pro2025000330
- Other IDs
- 4R00AG078561-03
- Acronym
- MUST
- Status last verified
- Dec 2025
- First submitted
- 14 May 2025
- Last updated
- 15 Dec 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Yes: Data obtained through this study may be provided to qualified researchers with academic interest in lifestyle intervention in aging.. Data or samples shared will be coded, with no private health information (PHI) included. Approval of the request and execution of all applicable agreements (i.e. a material transfer agreement) are prerequisites to the sharing of data with the requesting party.
Publications
Blumen HM, Gopher D, Steinerman JR, Stern Y. Training cognitive control in older adults with the space fortress game: the role of training instructions and basic motor ability. Front Aging Neurosci. 2010 Nov 11;2:145. doi: 10.3389/fnagi.2010.00145. eCollection 2010.
PubMed 21120135Stern Y, Blumen HM, Rich LW, Richards A, Herzberg G, Gopher D. Space Fortress game training and executive control in older adults: a pilot intervention. Neuropsychol Dev Cogn B Aging Neuropsychol Cogn. 2011 Nov;18(6):653-77. doi: 10.1080/13825585.2011.613450. Epub 2011 Oct 12.
PubMed 21988726Sanz Simon S, Ben-Eliezer D, Pondikos M, Stern Y, Gopher D. Feasibility and acceptability of a new web-based cognitive training platform for cognitively healthy older adults: the breakfast task. Pilot Feasibility Stud. 2023 Aug 4;9(1):136. doi: 10.1186/s40814-023-01359-2.
PubMed 37542331
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 15 Dec 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Web-based Technology and Cognitive Training: Improving Executive Control in Cognitively Healthy Older Adults: the MUltitasking STrategy (MUST) Study
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06995638
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- MUST / Pro2025000330
- Conditions
- Healthy Aging, Alzheimer's Disease (AD)
- Keywords
- Aging, Cognition, Executive Functions, Randomized Controlled Trial, Cognitive Training, Neuropsychology
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 130 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- National Institute on Aging (NIA)
- Study start
- 10 Dec 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- Dec 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion
- Dec 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 29 May 2025 (actual)
- 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.
Developing efficient cognitive intervention for cognitively health older adults is a major public health goal, due to its potential for reducing age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease/dementia risk. Executive Control is a relevant cognitive target since it declines with aging and is critical for multi-tasking in daily life. The proposed research investigates whether playing a web-based cognitive complex game (the Breakfast Game) impacts cognitive performance in cognitively healthy older adults. To be enrolled in the study, participants will be asked to undergo a cognitive sassessment, health questionnires, and a blood exam. The intervention consist in one educational session on healthy aging, and 10 one-hour cognitive training sessions 2-3 times a week over one month. Participants will be asked to repeat the cognitive assessment within 1-2 weeks after the intervention, and after three months.
Detailed description
The proposed research investigates whether exposure to a web-based training protocol designed to enhance executive control / multi-tasking abilities will improve cognitive performance in cognitively healthy older adults. Cognitively normal adults aged 60-75 will be randomized into three groups: 1) Web-based game with training strategy (Experimental); 2) Web-based game without training strategy (Active Control); 3) No intervention group (Passive control). Participants in groups 1 and 2 will be instructed to play the complex, high-demand online game, the Breakfast Game, for 10 one-hour sessions over 4 weeks. At study entry all participants will be asked to complete a cognitive assessment, health questionnaires, a blood exam and and education session on healthy aging. After the intervention, participants will be asked to repeat the cogntive assessment within 1-2 weeks, and after 3 months.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 3
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Strategy Training | Experimental | Behavioral: Web-based Cognitive Training (with strategy)Participants will undergo a web-based training protocol that involves playing an online game simulating a breakfast environment, where they will perform everyday activities such as "cooking" and "setting tables" in a multitasking fashion. Participants will learn to play the game using specific strategies to optimize their performance. |
| Regular Training | Active comparator | Behavioral: Web-based Cognitive Training (without strategy)Participants will undergo a web-based training protocol that involves playing an online game simulating a breakfast environment, where they will perform everyday activities such as "cooking" and "setting tables" in a multitasking fashion. Participants will learn to play the game under regular game instructions. |
| Passive Control | No intervention | – |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 60 to 75 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Age 60-75
- Adequate English proficiency
- Willingness to adhere to training protocol:
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Low test scores (below 26 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment)
- Known history of cognitive impairment, dementia, stroke, seizure disorder, or other neuropsychiatric condition judged to impact cognitive performance.
- Taking medications known to influence cognitive performance.
- Sensory (e.g. visual, auditory) or physical (e.g. severe arthritic, orthopedic, neurologic) impairment incompatible with use of a standard computer workstation.
- Enrolled in a concurrent study that could affect the outcome of this study.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Web-based Cognitive Training (with strategy)Participants will learn to play a complex online game using specific guidance or strategy. | Behavioural | Strategy Training |
| Web-based Cognitive Training (without strategy)Participants will learn to play a complex online game without specific guidance or strategy. | Behavioural | Regular Training |
Primary outcome
Changes in the Breakfast Game scores
Time frame: Training session 1, week 1; training 10, approximately 4 weeks.
Change in the total game performance based on specific scores (number of tables and cooking scores). Higher scores represent better game outcomes.
Transfer to complex executive/attention control measure (Proximal outcome).
Time frame: At baseline (week 1); post-intervention (weeks 10th to 12th); and at 3-month follow-up (week 24th)
Alphanumeric Task score.
4 secondary outcomes
Transfer to executive functions composite measure (Proximal outcome)
Time frame: At baseline (week 1); post-intervention (weeks 10th to 12th); and at 3-month follow-up (week 24th)
Transfer to Everyday Cognition Scale (ECOG) (Distal outcome)
Time frame: At baseline (week 1); post-intervention (weeks 10th to 12th); and at 3-month follow-up (week 24th)
Transfer to Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) (Distal outcome)
Time frame: At baseline (week 1); post-intervention (weeks 10th to 12th); and at 3-month follow-up (week 24th)
Transfer to Self Efficacy for Cognitive Everyday Tasks (Distal outcome)
Time frame: At baseline (week 1); post-intervention (weeks 10th to 12th); and at 3-month follow-up (week 24th)
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 15 Dec 2025.
- Background: PubMed 21120135Blumen HM, Gopher D, Steinerman JR, Stern Y. Training cognitive control in older adults with the space fortress game: the role of training instructions and basic motor ability. Front Aging Neurosci. 2010 Nov 11;2:145. doi: 10.3389/fnagi.2010.00145. eCollection 2010.
- Background: PubMed 21988726Stern Y, Blumen HM, Rich LW, Richards A, Herzberg G, Gopher D. Space Fortress game training and executive control in older adults: a pilot intervention. Neuropsychol Dev Cogn B Aging Neuropsychol Cogn. 2011 Nov;18(6):653-77. doi: 10.1080/13825585.2011.613450. Epub 2011 Oct 12.
- Background: PubMed 37542331Sanz Simon S, Ben-Eliezer D, Pondikos M, Stern Y, Gopher D. Feasibility and acceptability of a new web-based cognitive training platform for cognitively healthy older adults: the breakfast task. Pilot Feasibility Stud. 2023 Aug 4;9(1):136. doi: 10.1186/s40814-023-01359-2.
- EngAGING Lab WebsiteLink provided by the sponsor.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes. Data obtained through this study may be provided to qualified researchers with academic interest in lifestyle intervention in aging.. Data or samples shared will be coded, with no private health information (PHI) included. Approval of the request and execution of all applicable agreements (i.e. a material transfer agreement) are prerequisites to the sharing of data with the requesting party.
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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.
Ana Staniscia Associate Research, MS contact
Sharon Sanz Simon Assistant Professor, Ph.D. principal investigator
Rutgers University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Web-based Cognitive Training (with strategy) and Web-based Cognitive Training (without strategy) in people with Healthy Aging and Alzheimer's Disease (AD), run by Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey at 1 site in United States.
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 6 inclusion and 5 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: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 15 Dec 2025. 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 United States. 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?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Thamiris Golçalves Clinical Research Coordinator, MS (973-972-2977, engaging.lab@rutgers.edu), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Changes in the Breakfast Game scores (time frame: Training session 1, week 1; training 10, approximately 4 weeks.). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. 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 NCT06995638, which also lists 3 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 15 Dec 2025; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 6 Nov 2026.