NCT07497334 · RECRUITING
A Novel Multi-Modal Approach to Promote Functional Outcomes in Cognitively Frail Older Adults
This trial is testing whether a combination of two types of brain stimulation (theta burst stimulation, delivered using a magnetic coil placed on the scalp) paired with aerobic exercise improves thinking and movement in older adults who have both mild cognitive impairment and physical frailty. It is a Phase NA trial, meaning it is a feasibility or mechanistic study rather than a late-stage efficacy test — researchers are still working out how this combination affects the brain.
You may qualify if
- be between 60 and 90 years old;
- scored \< 9/12 on the SPPB;
- scored >18/30 on the MoCA;
- scored >9/42 on the PFFS;
- lived in the community;
- be able to ambulate up to four meters with or without assistive devices;
- be able to provide written informed consent on their own behalf;
- can understand verbal and written Cantonese and/or English.
You're excluded if
- have magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contraindications;
- have aerobic exercise contraindications;
- have transcranial magnetic stimulation contraindications;
- be diagnosed with neurodegenerative conditions (i.e., dementia, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's disease, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and stroke);
- live in a nursing home or other care facilities/institutions;
- bed taking fixed dose of medication or had been taking medications known to potentially affect cognitive and physical function (e.g., psychotropic medications), as identified through a review of their medication lists recorded in the health software. Medications were categorized by properties (e.g., antipsychotics, antidepressants, etc.) to inform eligibility decisions.
- have a history indicative of carotid sinus sensitivity (i.e., falls due to loss of consciousness);
- cancer and undergo radiation therapy.
The sponsor's own eligibility wording, lightly reformatted. The study team makes the final eligibility decision — worth discussing with your doctor.
Eligibility criteria as of 2026-03-27