Virtual reality workouts may keep aging brains fit
NCT ID NCT07652996
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study tested whether an 8-week mixed reality exercise program could improve thinking and physical abilities in adults aged 60 and older with mild cognitive decline. Thirty participants were split into two groups: one did mixed reality cognitive-physical training, the other did standard exercises like aerobics and Tai Chi. Researchers measured changes in memory, attention, balance, and strength.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Mixed reality motor-cognitive exercise (MR-MCT) and multimodal exercise (functional fitness + Tai Chi)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a fun, engaging way to help older adults stay sharp and active.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early study with only 30 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The effect on thinking and physical function may be small or not last long.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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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
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30 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Feb 2026
- Finished
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May 2026
- Lead sponsor
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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
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60 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide 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: 1. age 60 years or older; 2. self-determined to be able to exercise safely; 3. voluntarily completing all study activities; 4. voluntarily signing the informed consent; 5. willing to be randomized to either MR-MCT intervention group or the active comparison group; and 6. meeting one of the following criteria: 1. having subjective cognitive decline (self-report) or MCI: indicated by a Mini-Cog TM score of \<4 to increase sensitivity of MCI; 2. exhibiting pre-physical frailty or physical frailty, as indicated by a score of 1-2 (pre-frailty) or 3-5 (frailty) on the 5-item FRAIL scale. 3. low physical activity, defined as less than 600 Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET)-min/week and fewer than two 10-min sessions of strengthening exercises per week in the past three months on the International Physical Activity Questionnaire -Short Form (IPAQ-SF) with Muscle Strength. Exclusion Criteria: 1. recent history of myocardial infarction, stroke, or physical limitations as identified on the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PARQ); 2. Severe obesity: Body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher; or 3. concurrent participation in another intervention study.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109-1048, United States