Effect of Episodic Future Thinking on Promoting Physical Activity Among Older Adults With Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Episodic Future Thinking: Participants will receive a 12-week structured Episodic Future Thinking (EFT) intervention. At baseline, participants select multiple Daily Events (activities they can currently perform independently) and Aspirational Events (activities they wish to regain or improve) from a pre-developed event library. Each event has a corresponding structured video. Video sessions include relaxation, vivid future scenarios, sensory cues, and explicit links between physical activity and future functional independence. The intervention progresses across three phases (Weeks 1-4, 5-8, 9-12), shifting from Daily Events to Aspirational Events with gradually reduced frequency(from 4 days/week, 2 sessions/day to 4 days/week, 1 session/day). Participants receive individualized audio files with reminder messages and attend biweekly in-person group sessions where standardized FET videos are viewed under staff supervision. Adherence is monitored through WeChat feedback and weekly check-ins.

Brochure-Based Health Education: Participants will receive a one-time standardized health education session immediately after baseline assessment. The session is delivered face-to-face by trained research staff and provides foundational knowledge about MCR syndrome, including its definition, clinical significance, associated health risks, and the role of physical activity in maintaining cognitive and physical function. Participants are provided with a printed educational brochure titled Exercise Guidance for Older Adults with Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome. The brochure includes evidence-based recommendations on exercise types (aerobic, balance, flexibility, strength), recommended frequency and duration based on expert consensus, and safety precautions for older adults with MCR engaging in physical activity.

Study summary

Motor Cognitive Risk (MCR), a pre-dementia state characterized by the coexistence of subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and slow gait speed, has a high prevalence among community-dwelling older adults in China and is associated with significantly increased risks of progression to dementia and other adverse health outcomes. Physical activity is the most cost-effective non-pharmacological intervention for slowing cognitive decline and the modifiable factor with the greatest contribution to dementia prevention. However, older adults with cognitive impairment commonly face behavioral challenges such as insufficient physical activity and difficulty maintaining adherence. Episodic Future Thinking (EFT), a novel intervention strategy grounded in health psychology and behavioral economics, has been shown to promote healthy behaviors by reducing delay discounting rates and enhancing future orientation. The goal of this randomized controlled study is to test the effect of EFT intervention in promoting physical activity among older adults with MCR.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Intention to engage in physical activity — At baseline (T0), week 4 (T1), week 8 (T2), week 12 (T3), and four weeks after the end of the intervention (week 16, T4)
  Behavioral intention toward physical activity was assessed using the Behavioral Intention subscale of the Theory of Planned Behavior Exercise Questionnaire developed by Hu et al. Participants rated three items (e.g., their acceptance, intention, and plan to engage in ≥3 sessions of ≥20 minutes of exercise per week over the next four weeks) on a 6-point Likert scale, with higher scores indicating stronger behavioral intention.

Trial sites (1)

More Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine trials in China