Video game play-based motor learning-induced brain adaptations in the elderly
| ISRCTN | ISRCTN73384012 |
|---|---|
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN73384012 |
| Protocol serial number | N/A |
| Sponsor | Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH) (Switzerland) |
| Funders | Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH), Zurich (Switzerland), Institute of Human Movement Sciences and Sport (Switzerland) |
- Submission date
- 16/09/2015
- Registration date
- 17/09/2015
- Last edited
- 01/12/2016
- Recruitment status
- No longer recruiting
- Overall study status
- Completed
- Condition category
- Other
Plain English summary of protocol
Background and study aims
The brain is made up of billions of nerve cells called neurons, which use electrical signals to communicate with each other. When a large group of these neurons fire simultaneously, “brainwaves” are produced. There are four main types of brainwave, one of which being alpha waves. Alpha waves are produced in the brain’s “default” state, and are typically present when a person is physically or mentally relaxed. Recent studies have shown that during physical exercise, the amount of alpha waves in the brain dramatically increases. In professional athletes, it has been shown that a burst of alpha waves often accompanies peak physical performance. It has therefore been suggested that stimulating the production of alpha waves could improve physical performance in non-athletes. Practicing mental exercises such as mindfulness (paying more attention to the present), increases levels of alpha waves in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of the brain. This part of the brain is responsible for thinking, decision making and attention, as well as co-ordinating other parts of the brain. This could therefore mean that stimulating alpha wave production in this part of the brain while exercising could increase physical performance. The aim of this study is to find out whether a videogame combining movement and mental exercises can improve physical performance by stimulating alpha wave production.
Who can participate?
Healthy adults aged 65 or over, living independently or in a community residence.
What does the study involve?
Participants are randomly allocated into one of two training programmes. Training sessions take place for 30 minutes, three times a week for both groups. The first training programme incorporates physical and mental exercises using a virtual-reality video game. Participants in this group follow instructions on a screen to complete a range of mental exercises, as well as standing on a pressure-sensitive platform while completing movements in time with the game. The second training programme focuses on physical activity alone. Participants in this group complete a number of balance exercises which vary in difficulty. Before the training programmes begin and after 8 weeks of training, participants have their alpha wave activity measured using a brain scanning device while they complete cognitive and physical tests. Participants in both groups also complete questionnaires to assess their mental faculties and physical fitness at these timepoints.
What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
Participants may benefit from improved physical and cognitive fitness after taking part. There are no specific risks involved with participating in the study.
Where is the study run from?
Alterssiedlung Irchel, Zurich (Switzerland)
When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
May 2015 to September 2015
Who is funding the study?
1. Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH), Zurich (Switzerland)
2. Institute of Human Movement Sciences and Sport (Switzerland)
Who is the main contact?
Dr Eling D. de Bruin
Contact information
Scientific
ETH Zurich
Institute of Human Movement Sciences and Sport
HCP H
Leopold-Ruzicka-Weg 4
Zurich
CH-8093
Switzerland
 ORCID ID |
0000-0002-6542-7385 |
|---|
Study information
| Primary study design | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Study design | Single-center randomized controlled intervention trial |
| Secondary study design | Randomised controlled trial |
| Study type | Participant information sheet |
| Scientific title | Video game play-based motor learning-induced prefrontal neuronal adaptations in the elderly |
| Study objectives | Video game based physical exercise is more effective in stimulating prefrontal neuronal activity (alpha waves) during motor (gait performance) and cognitive (executive tests) performance than conventional sensorimotor balance skill training in the elderly. |
| Ethics approval(s) | ETH Zurich Ethics Committee (Switzerland), 19/05/2015, ref: EK 2015-N-10 |
| Health condition(s) or problem(s) studied | Geriatrics related conditions of independently living and community dwelling in the elderly |
| Intervention | Participants follow an eight week guided training intervention. Training sessions take place three times per week for thirty minutes. Participants are randomly allocated to two training groups with different training programs. Participants are accustomed slowly to the exercise and are continuously monitored by the instructors. The intensity of both training groups is increased progressively. 1. Intervention group (video game training): Participants execute virtual-reality video game training. They follow the step instructions presented on a screen in front of them. The games target different cognitive domains, e.g. divided attention or inhibition. Movements have to be carried out with the rhythm of the video game. Participants stand on a pressure-sensitive platform which records right and wrong movements. 2. Control group (sensorimotor balance skill training) Participants perform traditional balance exercises that consist of repetitive exercises challenging balance strategies. Participants perform conventional static and dynamic exercises on stable and unstable surfaces. Difficulty of the exercise are varied using bipedal or monopedal stance, opening or closing eyes, causing perturbation or using a motion platform. |
| Intervention type | |
| Primary outcome measure(s) |
All measures are assessed pre-intervention and after 8 weeks of training: |
| Key secondary outcome measure(s) |
All measures are assessed pre-intervention and after 8 weeks of training. |
| Completion date | 30/09/2015 |
Eligibility
| Participant type(s) | Healthy volunteer |
|---|---|
| Age group | Senior |
| Sex | All |
| Target sample size at registration | 30 |
| Key inclusion criteria | 1. Aged over 65 years 2. Signed informed consent statement 3. Healthy (self-reported) 4. Independently living or community dwelling |
| Key exclusion criteria | 1. Mobility or cognitive impairments (Mini Mental State examination below 22) 2. Rapidly progressive or terminal illness, acute illness or chronic illness 3. Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or recent head injury |
| Date of first enrolment | 20/05/2015 |
| Date of final enrolment | 29/06/2015 |
Locations
Countries of recruitment
- Switzerland
Study participating centre
Zurich
CH-8006
Switzerland
Results and Publications
| Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to share | Yes |
|---|---|
| IPD sharing plan summary | Available on request |
| IPD sharing plan |
Study outputs
| Output type | Details | Date created | Date added | Peer reviewed? | Patient-facing? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Results article | results | 23/11/2016 | Yes | No | |
| Basic results | 02/09/2016 | 09/09/2016 | No | No | |
| Participant information sheet | Participant information sheet | 11/11/2025 | 11/11/2025 | No | Yes |
Additional files
- ISRCTN73384012_BasicResults_02Sep16.docx
- Uploaded 09/09/2016
Editorial Notes
01/12/2016: The study contact address has been updated.
29/11/2016: Publication reference added.
09/09/2016: Basic results summary uploaded.
