CORTEX and CORTEX-II (also known as the “BeFit Study” to participants)
Cognitive Regulation Training and Exercise (CORTEX) Trials for middle-aged adults
The first efficacy trial (R21) was funded by the National Heart, Lung, & Blood Institute. The primary aim of this study was to test the effects of a novel, multi-modal cognitive training program on subsequent exercise self-regulation. The study involved two phases. Phase 1 involved 20 hours of training (participants were randomly assigned to games or videos) for 4 weeks, preceded and followed by testing. Phase 2 involved a free weekly exercise program at a local fitness facility. The program lasted 4 months and all participants received a membership to the facility for the duration of the study. The program concluded with 5-month follow-up testing.
The second, effectiveness trial (R01) is currently funded by the National Institute on Aging. The trial involved a more definitive test of the intervention, utilizing both center and home-based delivery and collecting physical activity engagement across a 12-month period.
Both trials have ended. Stay tuned for published results.
WEST
Wayfinding, Exergaming, & Spatial-memory Training (WEST) Study
The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of a 10-week exergaming intervention for enhancing physical activity, wayfinding self-efficacy and spatial memory among middle-aged adults with psychometrically-confirmed cognitive impairment.
The trial has ended and the primary outcomes are published here.
Findings | Briefly, the results suggest that ten weeks of iPad-enhanced, moderately intense aerobic exercise had specific effects on wayfinding self-efficacy; however, no statistical differences were found between groups on the behavioral wayfinding task or spatial memory performance at follow-up. Performance scores on an inhibitory attentional-control cognitive assessment revealed significant differences between groups, favoring the experimental group.
Implications | Virtual reality-enhanced aerobic exercise may prove to be an effective method for improving cognitive function and increasing confidence to navigate real-world scenarios among individuals at risk of cognitive impairment.
This pilot study was funded by the Center on Health, Aging, & Disability (CHAD) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
VOICE
Vocal iPad-Corrective Exercise (VOICE) Study
The ETC Lab collaborated with Dr. Aaron Johnson (former faculty member of Speech & Hearing Sciences, now faculty at NYU) to conduct this pilot study, funded by the Center on Health, Aging, and Disability (CHAD) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
The primary aim of this study is to test the effects of a novel, 8-week iPad training (with and without feedback) on vocal functioning, adherence to vocal exercise, and acceptability of the program in a sample of independently-living older adults. Secondary aims are to explore the effects of vocal exercise training on psychosocial stress.
The trial has ended. Stay tuned for published results.
HEAT (also known as “STEAM” to participants)
Heat & Aerobic Training (HEAT) for Pre-Hypertensive Middle-Aged Adults
This pilot study was funded by UIUC’s Campus Research Board.
The primary aim of this study is to examine the effects of heat therapy (steam-room) combined with exercise on blood flow & pressure. The secondary aims are to explore the effects of heat on psychosocial outcomes (e.g., mindfulness) and cognitive functioning.
The trial has ended. Stay tuned for published results.
Un-funded Dissertation Studies
RACER | published
BRAIN | dissertation
SIMPLEX | dissertation
SUNRAE | published
SUNRAE-II | published
HUBOD | dissertation