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NCT Number: NCT07229924

Evaluation of Cognitive Improvement After Bariatric Surgery Using a Virtual Reality Program and the Neuropsi Neuropsychological Battery

Background: Obesity is a chronic, systemic, and multifactorial disease affecting populations worldwide, with projections indicating a 50% increase by 2035. It is linked to higher risks of cognitive decline, brain atrophy, and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. Bariatric surgery has shown benefits in reducing fat and systemic inflammation, which may improve cognitive function. However, the factors predicting such improvements remain unclear.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of bariatric surgery on cognitive performance using virtual reality (Neurotracker) and the Neuropsi neuropsychological battery.

Methods: This prospective quasi-experimental study will include patients with morbid obesity who are candidates for bariatric surgery. Cognitive performance will be evaluated using the Neurotracker virtual reality tool and the Neuropsi neuropsychological battery. Participants will complete Neurotracker sessions three times weekly for two weeks before surgery, and again at 3- and 6-months post-surgery. The Neuropsi assessment will be conducted once prior to surgery and repeated at 6 months afterward. Statistical analyses will compare cognitive performance before and after the surgical intervention.

Expected Outcomes: The study aims to identify measurable improvements in cognitive function after weight loss from bariatric surgery, evaluated through both traditional neuropsychological tests and immersive virtual reality tools. These results could improve understanding of the cognitive benefits of surgical obesity treatment and the factors that predict these outcomes.

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Key information

Age range

18 year–65 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Faubert Lab, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

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Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

A. Age (18-65 years) B. Diagnostic of morbid obesity with a body mass index (BMI) > 40 kg/m2, or, C. Obesity grade II (BMI > 35 kg/m2) and associated comorbidities (Diabetes Mellitus type 2, Hypertension, Ischemic Cardiopathy, Hyperlipidemia, Hepatic Steatosis, Metabolic Syndrome, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Pickwick Syndrome) D. Bariatric surgery criteria.

Exclusion criteria

A. Age < 18 years, > 65 years B. Visual impairment C. Personal history of CVE D. Drug addiction.

Treatment and study plan

bariatric surgery

Procedure

Surgical procedures designed to induce sustained weight loss in patients with morbid obesity by modifying the gastrointestinal anatomy to restrict caloric intake, reduce nutrient absortion, or alter gut hormonal responses involved in appetite and metabolism regulation.

Primary outcomes

  1. NEUROPSI

    Time frame: NEUROPSI will be applied to group intervention before bariatric surgery and 6 months after it. For the control group, NEUROPSI will be applied at the time of enrollment and 6 months later.

    NEUROPSI is a standardized neuropsychological assessment battery designed to evaluate cognitive functions. It provides quantitative measures adjusted for age and education grade.

  2. NeuroTracker

    Time frame: The time of evaluation will be: 12 sessions pre-surgery, 12 sessions, 3 months post-surgery (post-op) 12 sessions, 6 months post-op With a total of 3 visits per evaluation (9 visits), each patient will complete 80 trials per visit.

    has a virtual cloud-based web portal, that has been validated by functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Participants will perform a total of 12 sessions. Each session will consist of 3 blocks of 20 trials.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Argelia Pérez Pacheco, PhD

CONTACT

[email protected]

+525527892000 ext. 1242

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Hospital General de México Dr. Eduardo Liceaga

Other Gov

Collaborators

  • NeuroTracker Athletics Inc.
  • Université de Montréal

Registry information

Official study title

Effect of Bariatric Surgery on Cognitive Performance Assessed Using a Virtual Reality Program and the Neuropsi Battery.

Acronym: CognitiveBS

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2026
First posted
Nov 17, 2025
Registry last updated
Nov 17, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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