Community-based, buddy-supported exercise in patients with MCI: a pilot trial (MY BUDDY STUDY)
The overarching objective of this pilot study was to determine feasibility and gather data that will inform the design of a larger, multicenter, randomized, controlled trial. Specifically, we aimed to:
Determine the feasibility of recruiting persons with MCI and a buddy for an exercise intervention.
- For MCI participants who do not identify a buddy, we will determine the interest and feasibility of recruiting volunteers from the community to be an exercise buddy.
Determine the effects of having an exercise buddy on:
- adherence to the protocol
- 400 meter walk time, an objective measure of improved physical fitness
- retention and satisfaction for both participant with MCI and buddy
Establish a scientific partnership with a community based exercise facility.
We hypothesized that participants with MCI who exercise with a buddy will have higher adherence to the protocol and greater improvement in 400 meter walk time. This was a Randomized Clinical Trial, with blinded outcomes assessors. All participants with MCI participated in a 20-week (4 day/wk up to 80 sessions) aerobic exercise training intervention. They were randomized to either exercise with an exercise buddy or to exercise independently (n=10/group). An exercise interventionist initially prescribed the exercise intensity and duration, and instructed participants in safe and correct exercise techniques. Assessments were conducted at baseline, 12-weeks and 20-weeks.