Cognitive Regulation Training and Exercise Trial

The purpose of this double-blinded, randomized controlled study is to compare CORTEX (Cognitive Regulation Training and Exercise), a multi-faceted, center- and home-delivered- general and exercise-specific-active and traditional computerized cognitive training (CT) program to an attention-control condition involving health and wellness informational videos. More specifically, the cognitive training group will emphasize dual-task abilities, working memory, and visual-spatial processing, as well as self-as-exerciser priming and self-certainty training. It is hypothesized that early intervention cognitive training will enhance use of self-regulatory strategies and self-efficacy and in turn, increase exercise adherence to and engagement in a 12-month aerobic and resistive exercise program at a local fitness facility. More positive improvements in cognitive and psychosocial functioning among participants in the CORTEX condition (relative to the Video Attention-Control condition, i.e., health educational videos), are also expected immediately following the cognitive training, and across time. Expectancies and knowledge of study purpose (blinding integrity) will also be measured and used to statistically adjust for any training differences.