SYNERGIC TRIAL (SYNchronizing Exercises, Remedies in Gait and Cognition) a multi Centre randomized controlled double blind trial to improve gait and cognition in mild cognitive impairment
BackgroundPhysical exercise, cognitive training, and vitamin D are low cost interventions that have the potential to enhance cognitive function and mobility in older adults, especially in pre dementia states such as Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) Aerobic and progressive resistance exercises have benefits to cognitive performance, though evidence is somewhat inconsistent. We postulate that combined aerobic exercise (AE) and progressive resistance training (RT) (combined exercise) will have a better effect on cognition than a balance and toning control (BAT) intervention in older adults with MCI. We also expect that adding cognitive training and vitamin D supplementation to the combined exercise, as a multimodal intervention, will have synergistic efficacy.MethodsThe SYNERGIC trial (SYNchronizing Exercises, Remedies in GaIt and Cognition) is a multi site, double blinded, five arm, controlled trial that assesses the potential synergic effect of combined AE and RT on cognition and mobility, with and without cognitive training and vitamin D supplementation in older adults with MCI. Two hundred participants with MCI aged 60 to 85 years old will be randomized to one of five arms, four of which include combined exercise plus combinations of dual task cognitive training (real vs. sham) and vitamin D supplementation (3 x 10,000 IU/wk. vs. placebo) in a quasi factorial design, and one arm which receives all control interventions. The primary outcome measure is the ADAS Cog (13 and plus modalities) measured at baseline and at 6 months of follow up. Secondary outcomes include neuroimaging, neuro cognitive performance, gait and mobility performance, and serum biomarkers of inflammation (C reactive protein and interleukin 6) neuroplasticity (brain derived neurotropic factor) endothelial markers (vascular endothelial growth factor 1) and vitamin D serum levels.DiscussionThe SYNERGIC Trial will establish the efficacy and feasibility of a multimodal intervention to improve cognitive performance and mobility outcomes in MCI. These interventions may contribute to new approaches to stabilize and reverse cognitive mobility decline in older individuals with MCI.Trial RegistrationIdentifier: NCT02808676. https:/www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02808676.
BMC Geriatrics