Can brain zaps and cycling boost aging minds?

NCT ID NCT07652775

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether combining repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) with aerobic exercise can improve thinking skills, mood, and walking ability in older adults who have mild cognitive impairment and depression. Participants, aged 65 to 90, will be randomly assigned to receive rTMS alone, rTMS plus stationary cycling, or a sham treatment plus cycling over 5 weeks. Researchers will measure changes in memory, depressive symptoms, sleep quality, and gait before and after the program and at a one-month follow-up.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and aerobic exercise

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a drug-free way to improve memory, mood, and mobility in older adults with mild cognitive impairment and depression.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-stage trial with only 45 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The effects may be modest or not last beyond the study period.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Cognitive Dysfunction Depression Personal Satisfaction

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Cheng Hsin General Hospital

    RECRUITING

    Taipei, Taipei City, 112, Taiwan

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••