Internet-based Mind-Body Training for Brain Health
Internet-based Mind-Body Training (iMBT) for Brain Health
Ohio State University
60 participants
Jun 13, 2025
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
The goal of this study is to conduct a Stage I pilot study examining the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of an internet-based, asynchronous mindfulness-based stress reduction program (iMBSR) compared to an internet-based, asynchronous lifestyle education program (iLifeEd), for adults at-risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Sixty middle-aged and older adults (aged 50 years or older) with subjective cognitive decline will be randomized to either an 8-week iMBSR program or an 8-week iLifeEd program control group, designed to provide adequate control for placebo effects. Behavioral, neuroimaging, and ecological momentary assessment (EMA) measures of mind-wandering will be administered to determine preliminary effects as a function of engagement in the iMBSR program. AD biomarkers will be examined at pre-training and post-training assessments.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria19
- Aged 50 years or greater
- Capable of attending screening and assessment sessions and the internet-based intervention modules
- Fluent English speaker
- Corrected (near and far) visual acuity of 20/40 or better
- Adequate hearing for experimental purposes
- Absence of diagnosed terminal illness
- Absence of diagnosed neurological disorders
- No history of psychotic disorder or substance abuse disorder diagnosed by a psychologist or psychiatrist
- Absence of medication use that significantly alters brain activity
- No history of diagnosed learning disability that would interfere with the completion of the cognitive tasks
- Report elevated scores on the self-report Everyday Cognition (E-Cog)-39 subjective cognitive decline with normatively intact performance on cognitive testing (as determined by the neuropsychological battery)
- No evidence of mild cognitive impairment or dementia as assessed by the neuropsychological measures from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center (NACC) Uniform Data Set OR inadequate self-reported performance of instrumental activities of daily living
- Ability to engage in light stretching/movement-based activities with or without assistive devices
- Absence of any MRI contraindications
- Not pregnant and not attempting to become pregnant
- Absence of self-reported claustrophobia
- No regular practice of meditation or yoga (defined as once or more per week) AND No previous participation in a structured mindfulness class (e.g., Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, intensive meditation retreat)
- Access to internet and at-home computer with a working microphone and video
- Not enrolled in other RCTs examining the efficacy of exercise training, cognitive rehabilitation, stress management, progressive muscle relaxation or other health-based rehabilitation
Exclusion Criteria19
- Aged less than 50 years
- Any physical or pragmatic limitation that prohibits attendance of screening or assessment sessions, or intervention engagement
- No fluency in English
- Corrected (near or far) visual acuity worse than 20/40
- Self-reported hearing impairment that would affect ability to hear the experimenter
- Diagnosis of terminal illness
- Presence of diagnosed neurological disorders such as: Alzheimer's disease, Vascular Dementia, Parkinson's disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Traumatic Brain Injury, Fronto-Temporal Lobar Degeneration, Lewy Body Disease
- History of psychotic disorder or substance abuse disorder diagnosed by a psychologist or psychiatrist
- Medication use that significantly alters brain activity
- History of diagnosed learning disability that would interfere with the completion of the cognitive tasks
- Does not report subjective cognitive decline AND/ OR does not perform in the normatively intact range on neuropsychological testing
- Evidence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia OR inadequate self-reported performance of instrumental activities of daily living
- Any physical limitation or pragmatic limitation that prohibits attendance at assessment sessions and intervention modules with or without assistive devices
- Presence of MRI contraindications as assessed through the MRI screening form.
- Pregnant or attempting to become pregnant
- Self-reported claustrophobia
- Any regular practice of meditation or yoga (defined as once or more per week) OR Previous participation in a structured mindfulness class (e.g., Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, intensive meditation retreat)
- No access to internet or at-home computer with a working microphone and video
- Current enrollment in other RCTs examining the efficacy of exercise training, cognitive rehabilitation, stress management, progressive muscle relaxation or other health-based rehabilitation
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Interventions
The iMBSR program is an adaptation of Jon Kabat-Zinn's Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) to be delivered in an online and asynchronous manner. MBSR was developed by Kabat-Zinn in the 1970s as a method to help individuals manage stress and pain through mindfulness meditation. Mindfulness practice has been linked to numerous benefits such as boosting cognitive control and emotion regulation. MBSR includes practices such as orienting attention to the present moment, often through an object like the breath, nonjudgmental awareness of thoughts and emotions, mindful listening, mindful eating, and body scan meditation.
iLifeEd is an online and asynchronous lifestyle education program. Participants will be presented with information and activities about healthy aging topics, including physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep, stress, nutrition and hydration, social support, and cognitively stimulating activities. Stretching and toning exercises will also be included.
Locations(1)
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NCT07019402