Exercise may sharpen memory in adults who endured childhood trauma

NCT ID NCT05972265

Symptom relief Sponsor: University of Texas at Austin Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 17, 2026 · Last updated Jul 17, 2026

Summary

This study investigates whether moderate exercise can improve memory, attention, and thinking speed in middle-aged adults (40–60 years old) who experienced abuse or neglect as children and now have cognitive complaints. Participants will do either moderate or light cycling in the lab, then some will follow a 9-week home exercise program. Researchers will measure changes in memory and thinking tests over the study period.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: moderate intensity exercise (cycling)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a simple, drug-free way to help middle-aged adults with a history of childhood trauma protect their memory and thinking skills.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage study with only 34 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The exercise program is short (9 weeks), and any benefits might not last.

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Study facts

What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.

Phase

Not a phased trial

Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.

Participants

About 34 people

The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.

Started

Nov 2023

Expected to finish

Jun 2027

An estimate. End dates often move.

Lead sponsor

Other sponsor

The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.

Who can take part

This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.

Ages

40 to 60 years

Sex

Anyone

Healthy volunteers

Accepted

You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.

Show the full entry requirements

Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.

Inclusion Criteria: * between 40 and 60 years of age * history of child abuse or neglect * have a complaint about memory, attention, or executive function * native or fluent English speaker * normal or corrected to normal vision and hearing * medically healthy Exclusion Criteria: * Score indicating a history of moderate-intensity activity, hard-intensity activity, or very-hard intensity activity on the Stanford Brief Activity Survey * current excessive alcohol or other substance use * eating disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, or those judged to be an immediate suicide risk based on having an active plan with intent * autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or other neurodevelopmental disorder * neurocognitive disorder, or illnesses or history of neurological events known to cause neurocognitive disorders (e.g., traumatic brain injury, status epilepticus, stroke) * reported chest pain or dizziness during exercise; any endorsed and not controlled medical condition that could make exercise contraindicated, including hypertension; heart disease; heart failure; hear rhythm disorders; heart valve disease; metabolic conditions; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; pulmonary hypertension; cystic fibrosis; asthma; and bone, joint, or soft tissue problems * pregnancy, major medical disorders such as cancer, or any other condition believed to put a participant at risk

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As listed by the trial registrant

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Adverse childhood experiences

How to take part

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The places running it

1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
The official record

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Exercise may sharpen memory in adults who endured childhood trauma

What the study statuses mean