RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT06484244

Locomotion Adaptation Deficits in Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimers Disease

Sponsor

Emory University

Enrollment

10 participants

Start Date

Jul 22, 2025

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Mild Cognitive Impairment Alzheimers Disease

Summary

In people with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's Disease (AD), reduced capacity for locomotor adaptation is a fundamental but poorly understood mechanism that can be a sensitive biomarker of cognitive-motor impairments. It is also an important therapeutic target for exercise-based interventions to improve walking function. The overall goal of this study is to understand the effects of MCI and AD on locomotor adaptation and walking function.

Eligibility

Min Age: 50 YearsMax Age: 90 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study is looking at how older adults with mild memory and thinking problems — including mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease — adapt their walking and movement patterns compared to healthy adults. **You may be eligible if...** - You have been formally diagnosed with MCI or Alzheimer's disease by a neurologist - You show signs of memory and executive function difficulties on standard cognitive tests - You are able to walk at least 10 feet without a walking aid - You have completed at least 6 years of schooling or have a solid work history **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You are unable to walk 10 feet on your own - Your cognitive difficulties are very severe (e.g., late-stage dementia) - You have not been formally assessed by a neurologist Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

OTHER5 Sessions of Split-belt Treadmill-based Locomotor Adaptation

Participants will complete 5 sessions of split-belt treadmill-based locomotor adaptation. The split-belt instrumented treadmill allows the two belt speeds to be operated independently, enabling different belt speeds for each leg. The split-belt walking assessment will consist of 3 phases: baseline phase in which the belts operated at the same speed (Pre-tied, 2-minutes), a phase in which the belts operated at different speeds (Split-belt, 15-minutes), and a final phase in which the belts operated at the same speed (Post-tied, 4-minutes).