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Mild Cognitive ImpairmentNCT07248709

Comparison of High-Intensity Interval Training and Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training in Mild Cognitive Impairment

A study testing High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training in people with Mild Cognitive Impairment, run by Riphah International University at 2 sites in Pakistan.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

This study aims to determine the effects of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training (MICT) on cognitive and physical fitness in community-dwelling adults diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 60 years and older
Conditions the study is for
Mild Cognitive Impairment
What is being tested?
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
68 participants
Where
2 sitesPakistan
Study dates
5 Nov 2025to 30 Apr 2026
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 60 years and older
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • older adults who had been diagnosed with MCI according to Peterson's criteria [Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score <26 for those with 12 years or more of education and <25 for those with less than 12 years of education; activity of daily living scale ≤23; no clinical diagnosis of dementia]
  • older adults who are physically normal (the six-item Katz Activities of Daily Living Scale should all be evaluated as "independent")

Who cannot join

  • Participants who have medical problems or co-morbidities that interdict their participation in the study.
  • Unable to walk without an assistive device
  • Diagnosed with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease
  • Having regular exercise habits (defined as exercise for ≥150 min per week).
  • Participating in other ongoing intervention study

Trial locations and contacts

2 sites in 1 country.

Pakistan2 sites
  • Khursheed Oldage Home and Nursing Care

    Lahore, Punjab Province, 64350

  • Alara Healthcare Clinic

    Lahore, Punjab Province

Other trials in Pakistan

About this study

Official title: Comparison of High-Intensity Interval Training and Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training on Executive Functions, Cardiorespiratory and Physical Fitness in Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment

This study aims to determine the effects of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training (MICT) on cognitive and physical fitness in community-dwelling adults diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI).

A double-blinded randomized clinical trial will be conducted for ten months at Ruhama Welfare Foundation Society Lahore and Kainat Patient Care and Old Age Home, Lahore. The sample size is calculated through G-power and 68 participants will be recruited through the non-probability convenience sampling technique. Those who meet the inclusion criteria will be randomized into two groups through the online randomizer tool. Both experimental groups will undergo an 8-week intervention, consisting of three sessions per week with alternate-day training of 38 minutes. The HIIT group will perform exercise with each session consisting of four 4-minute intervals at 85-95% of their maximum heart rate, with 3-minute active recovery periods, while the MICT group will engage in continuous exercise for 28 minutes at 70-75% of their maximum heart rate. Assessment will be done at baseline, after the 4th week, 8th week, and follow-up at 12th week.

Read the detailed description

Mild cognitive impairment is a syndrome defined as cognitive decline greater than expected for an individual's age and education level but that does not interfere notably with activities of daily life. Prevalence in population-based epidemiological studies ranges from 3% to 19% in adults older than 65 years. Some people with mild cognitive impairment seem to remain stable or return to normal over time, but more than half progress to dementia within 5 years. Mild cognitive impairment can thus be regarded as a risk state for dementia. The amnestic subtype of mild cognitive impairment has a high risk of progression to Alzheimer's disease, and it could constitute a prodromal stage of this disorder. One of the main causes of disability and dependency in older adults globally, dementia ranks as the seventh most common cause of all disorders. Globally, there were 55 million dementia sufferers in 2021; by 2030, that figure is expected to rise to 78 million, and by 2050, it will reach 139 million. Thankfully, there is a chance that postponing dementia onset by five years could cut its prevalence in half globally. Compared to just 3% of the age-matched group, 46% of people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), an intermediate stage between normal cognition and dementia, will develop dementia within three years. As a result, MCI is a crucial phase in stopping dementia from getting worse. The multi-cognitive function of subjects with MCI declines.

HIIT can enhance cognitive performance through increased blood flow to the brain, promoting neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity, which are crucial for cognitive tasks. MICT also supports cognitive function. HIIT often produces superior results in a shorter time frame. HIIT involves short bursts of high-intensity exercise followed by rest or low-intensity periods, leading to significant cardiovascular adaptations such as increased VO2 max and improved heart efficiency. MICT, while beneficial, requires longer durations to achieve comparable gains in cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). Engaging in regular physical exercise has been shown to delay age-related physiological and cognitive decline, reduce the risk of common diseases, and improve the subjective quality of life. Meanwhile, a large proportion of older adults are insufficiently physically active, potentially increasing societal health-related challenges connected to a growing older population. It is, therefore, important to provide both effective and attractive exercise methods adapted for this group. One of the proposed key factors in maximizing exercise effects is to exercise beyond moderate intensities, as in high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Although aerobic moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) is performed at intensities below the anaerobic threshold, HIIT is broadly defined as short, repeated work intervals at an external intensity close to (80%-100%), or above (>100%) the intensity that elicits maximum oxygen uptake (Vo2 max), with passive or low intensity recovery between intervals.

While exercise is a promising intervention for cognitive health, the comparative efficacy of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training (MICT) in older adults with MCI remains underexplored. This research seeks to provide useful insights examining the effects of HIIT and MICT on executive functions, cardiorespiratory fitness, and overall physical fitness. HIIT's potential time efficiency and physiological benefits may offer significant advantages over traditional exercise methods. The findings could inform clinical practice, shape public health guidelines, and lead to more effective exercise interventions, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for older adults at risk of cognitive decline.

Being tested
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training
Keywords
High-Intensity Interval Training, Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training, Mild Cognitive Impairment, Executive Function, Physical Fitness, Cardiorespiratory Fitness
Medical subject headings
Cognitive Dysfunction

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)Other

    The HIIT group will engage in 28 min of alternating high-intensity and low-intensity exercise, where the high-intensity phase will be at 85-90% of maximum heart rate for 4 min, followed by a 3-min recovery period at 50-60% of maximum heart rate, repeated four times on a treadmill or stationary bicycle. (RPE ~16 on Borg scale) Total duration will be 38 minutes including warm up and cool down period.

  • Moderate-Intensity Continuous TrainingOther

    The MICT group's training will consist of continuous aerobic exercise for 28 min at 60-70% of maximum heart rate on a treadmill or stationary bicycle. (RPE ~13 on Borg scale) Total duration will be 38 minutes including warm up and cool down period.

Study groups in NCT07248709
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Group AExperimentalThe High-Intensity Interval Training Group (HIIT)
Receives: Other: High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
Group BExperimentalModerate-Intensity Continuous Training (MICT)
Receives: Other: Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)

    The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is a one-page, 30-point cognitive screening measurement scale that takes about 10 minutes to administer. There are 12 subtasks in the MoCA test that include memory, visuospatial orientation, executive functioning, phonemic fluency, and two-item abstract thinking task, attention, concentration, and working memory, language, orientation to time and place. A score of 26 is a cutoff score to differentiate between normal and abnormal. It has been extensively validated for its reliability and effectiveness in detecting cognitive deficits.

    Measured: Assessment at baseline, after the 4th week, 8th week, and follow-up at 12th week.

Secondary outcomes (3)
  1. Trail Making Test

    The Trail Making Test (TMT) is a widely used neuropsychological assessment tool that evaluates cognitive flexibility, executive function, and processing speed. It consists of two parts: TMT-A and TMT-B, each designed to measure different cognitive abilities. TMT-A: This part requires the participant to connect a series of numbered circles in ascending order (1-2-3-4...). It primarily assesses visuoperceptual abilities, such as visual scanning and motor speed. TMT-B: In this part, participants alternate between numbers and letters (1-A-2-B-3-C...), which adds complexity by requiring task-switching and working memory. This portion reflects higher-order executive functions, including cognitive flexibility and the ability to shift attention between tasks.

    Measured: Assessment at baseline, after the 4th week, 8th week, and follow-up at 12th week.

  2. The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB)

    The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) is an objective assessment tool used to evaluate lower extremity functioning and physical performance in older adults including those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). It consists of three tests: Balance test, Gait speed test and Chair stand test. Each test is scored from 0-4 points. Total SPPB score ranges from 0 (worst performance) to 12 (best performance).

    Measured: Assessment at baseline, after the 4th week, 8th week, and follow-up at 12th week.

  3. 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT)

    The 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) aims to determine how far a person can walk in 6 minutes on a flat, hard surface. The test evaluates the integrated response of multiple bodily systems during exercise, including the respiratory, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal systems. The person walks back and forth along a measured course, typically 30 meters long. They are instructed to cover as much distance as possible in 6 minutes. Participants can slow down or rest if needed but should resume walking when able.

    Measured: Assessment at baseline, after the 4th week, 8th week, and follow-up at 12th week.

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted25 Nov 2025
  2. Study start5 Nov 2025
  3. Primary completion12 Apr 2026
  4. Study completion30 Apr 2026

Resources

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
68 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07248709
Sponsor's protocol ID
REC/0268 Sadia Khalid
Status last verified
Jun 2026
First submitted
18 Nov 2025
Last updated
3 Jun 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Publications

  • Shao Z, Huang J, Feng H, Hu M. Optimizing the physical activity intervention for older adults with mild cognitive impairment: a factorial randomized trial. Front Sports Act Living. 2024 May 7;6:1383325. doi: 10.3389/fspor.2024.1383325. eCollection 2024.

    PubMed 38774280
  • de Lima NS, De Sousa RAL, Amorim FT, Gripp F, Diniz E Magalhaes CO, Henrique Pinto S, Peixoto MFD, Monteiro-Junior RS, Bourbeau K, Cassilhas RC. Moderate-intensity continuous training and high-intensity interval training improve cognition, and BDNF levels of middle-aged overweight men. Metab Brain Dis. 2022 Feb;37(2):463-471. doi: 10.1007/s11011-021-00859-5. Epub 2021 Nov 11.

    PubMed 34762211
  • Tsai CL, Pai MC, Ukropec J, Ukropcova B. The Role of Physical Fitness in the Neurocognitive Performance of Task Switching in Older Persons with Mild Cognitive Impairment. J Alzheimers Dis. 2016 Apr 23;53(1):143-59. doi: 10.3233/JAD-151093.

    PubMed 27128369
  • Martin-Smith R, Cox A, Buchan DS, Baker JS, Grace F, Sculthorpe N. High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) Improves Cardiorespiratory Fitness (CRF) in Healthy, Overweight and Obese Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Controlled Studies. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Apr 24;17(8):2955. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17082955.

    PubMed 32344773
  • Wu Q, Niu X, Zhang Y, Song J, Chi A. A Comparative Study of Inhibition Function between High-Intensity Interval Training and Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training in Healthy People: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023 Feb 6;20(4):2859. doi: 10.3390/ijerph20042859.

    PubMed 36833556

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training in people with Mild Cognitive Impairment, run by Riphah International University at 2 sites in Pakistan.

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 2 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: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 3 Jun 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 2 sites in Pakistan. 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?

Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) (time frame: Assessment at baseline, after the 4th week, 8th week, and follow-up at 12th week.). 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 NCT07248709, which also lists 5 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 3 Jun 2026; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 1 Nov 2026.

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