Improving Physical Activity With Cognitive Impairment

The primary objective of this pilot study is to determine the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a telerehabilitation physical activity behavioral (TPAB) intervention for improving habitual physical activity in individuals with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Amnestic MCI is considered a precursor to Alzheimer's Disease (AD), the sixth leading cause of death in the US.1 Additionally, loss of independence and cognitive function is one of the most feared aspects of aging for older adults.2,3 One way to promote independence is through physical activity. Physical inactivity is highly reported in those with MCI4 and is a modifiable risk factor for those with dementia.5,6 Therefore, strategies to combat the loss of physical independence and cognition are of high economic and quality of life priority.

Home-based physical activity behavior change methods have successfully improved physical activity in healthy older adults7-10 but have had limited use in individuals with MCI.11 This study will determine the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of the TPAB intervention in individuals with amnestic MCI and caregivers to provide the groundwork to ascertain clinical implementation. In this randomized controlled clinical research study, we will assess the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of the TPAB intervention in individuals with amnestic MCI. The TPAB intervention consists of 12 telerehabilitation sessions (30 min) over 12 weeks. Primary caregivers will be included during all intervention sessions based on dyadic approaches demonstrating higher physical activity invention success in individuals with MCI compared to individual recruitment.12 The TPAB intervention group will include 15 dyads of patients with amnestic MCI and their primary caregivers. The TPAB intervention is an evidence-based intervention designed to improve daily steps in older adults with medical complexities.13-15 It combines strategies such as problem-solving11, action planning16, and motivational interviewing17 that are evidenced to improve physical activity in individuals with MCI.11,16,17 The TPAB intervention will require a wearable sensor (Fitbit) and a home-based tablet/laptop to allow real-time activity feedback and video interface between participants and the interventionist. The TPAB intervention is novel in combining theories and techniques and remote delivery for individuals with amnestic MCI. The control (CTL) group will include 15 dyads of individuals with amnestic MCI and their primary caregivers that will receive usual care over the 12 weeks. Outcomes for both groups will be assessed before the intervention (baseline) and at the end of the intervention (POST). The specific aims are:

Aim 1: Determine the feasibility of the TPAB intervention for individuals with amnestic MCI and their primary caregivers by measuring 1) participant retention, 2) attendance, 3) acceptability (Intrinsic Motivation Inventory18), 3) safety (adverse event tracking), 4) semi-structured interviews.

Aim 2: Examine the preliminary effects of TPAB on physical activity engagement among MCI participants when compared with the CTL group.

Hypothesis 2.1: Individuals with amnestic MCI will make significant (p<0.05) gains in accelerometer-assessed (activPAL) physical activity (daily steps) from baseline to POST compared to the CTL group.

Clinical Impact: This study addresses two significant clinical gaps for amnestic MCI rehabilitation: 1) lack of evidence-based rehabilitation strategies to improve habitual physical activity; and 2) barriers to remotely promote habitual physical activity. Lastly, this project will bring together an interdisciplinary team (physical therapist (RH), exercise scientist (DE), and neuropsychologist (VP)) of investigators at Creighton University and the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC).

Inclusion criteria

• 50-85 years old (patient); 19+ years (caregiver)
• clinically diagnosed with amnestic MCI (patient only)
• a score of 18-24 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment indicating possible MCI (patient only),
• not currently categorized as "Active" on the Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity, (patient only)
• on stable doses of medication at least for the previous 30 days at baseline (patient only)
• have a computer/wireless device with Internet access
• have a primary caregiver willing to participate in physical activity and assist the patient with participation in the study
• English-speaking

Exclusion criteria

• limitations due to disability, illness, or pain that may affect the patient's walking safety during the study
• unstable heart conditions (e.g., unstable angina, acute pericarditis)
• uncontrolled hypertension in the last six months
• known neurological diseases