NCT06740162 · University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Physical Activity and Community EmPOWERment Project
(PACE)
What this study is about
Purpose: Conduct a wait-list randomly assigned controlled trial (RCT) of an inclusive physical activity program called PACE for adults with intellectual disability (ID) who are not yet showing signs of Alzheimer's Disease (AD)/age-related dementias (ARD).
View original scientific description
Purpose: Conduct a wait-list randomized controlled trial (RCT) of an inclusive physical activity program called PACE for adults with intellectual disability (ID) who are not yet showing signs of Alzheimer's Disease (AD)/age-related dementias (ARD). Participants: Participants include 120 adults with ID, their caregivers, and their coaches (up to 360 individual participants, grouped as triads), recruited through the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the University of Arkansas. Participants also include 16 exercise professionals. Procedures (methods): Each cohort will include 20 triads who are randomly assigned to the PACE program or the waitlist control group.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
PACE Program
The PACE program is a 16-week inclusive exercise program taught and adapted by certified Inclusive Fitness Specialists. Study participants, called athletes, will engage in the fitness class with non-study participants with and without disabilities. Athlete participants will also meet weekly with their coaches (also study participants) to discuss goal setting and interact with the web-based dashboard.
Primary outcome measures
Number of Steps Per Day as Measured by the ActiGraph GT9X Link
Time frame: Baseline, post-intervention (16 weeks)
The Actigraph GT9X Links measures daily step counts. Step counts less than 2500 are classified as basal, step counts between 2500 to 4999 are classified as limited, step counts between 5000 to 7499 are classified as low, step counts between 7500-9999 are classified as somewhat active, step counts between 10000 to 12499 are classified as active, and step counts over 12500 are classified as very active.
Minutes of Moderate-to-Vigorous Activity Per Day as Measured by the ActiGraph GT9X Link
Time frame: Baseline, post-intervention (16 weeks)
The Actigraph GT9X Links measures activity counts each minute of wear time. Each activity count over 3,941 equals 1 minute of moderate-vigorous physical activity. A total of 150 or more weekly MVPA minutes meets Physical Activity guideline recommendations.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- for adults with ID will include:
- ages 18 and older with a prior clinical diagnosis of ID, confirmed by scores \< 70 and + 90% on the Leiter-3 International Performance Scales and/or an adaptive behavior measure using the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales,
- Medical clearance to participate in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity as determined by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) preparticipation algorithm,
- Adult does not show clinically elevated symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease (AD)/ Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) as indicated by a score of \< 20 on the Dementia Screening Questionnaire for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities.
- One caregiver/guardian is able and willing to participate.
- must tolerate at least 8 hours of daily wear-time of Actigraph device during initial assessment period (4 of 7 days),
- must average 20 minutes or less of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) minutes per day (140 MVPA minutes or less across 7-day period measured during the initial assessment period, and
- must reside in North Carolina or Arkansas.
Exclusion criteria
- for adults with ID: • Diagnosis of AD, dementia, or related disorders. Participants will not be excluded based on gender, race, or ethnicity. There will be no upper age limit due to the heterogeneity of onset of AD/ADRD in individuals with ID. Inclusion criteria for coach will include:
- access to the internet and a mobile device,
- has weekly contact with the adult participant with ID,
- can converse and read in English to comprehend intervention materials and website content, and
- must reside in North Carolina or Arkansas Inclusion criteria for caregiver will include:
- ability to converse and read in English to comprehend and answer interview questions, (2) must care for an adult with ID who is willing to participate in the study,
- must reside in North Carolina or Arkansas, and
- must attend all study visits with adult with ID.
Where
- Fayetteville, Arkansas
- Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Collaborators
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
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Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Feb 23, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations