interactive
Physical
And
Cognitive
Exercise
System

iPACES™ is a neuro-exergame to impact brain health and wellness via a portable pedal-and-play technology designed for everyday use, including for patients and caregivers coping with challenges, from autism to Alzheimer's

About Our Current Study

Our study, which is currently enrolling participants, is called the “iPACES Clinical Trial 2021.” This study plans to implement our interactive Physical and Cognitive Exercise System (iPACES), consisting of an under-the-desk elliptical, tablet, smart watch, and heart rate monitor, into 120 homes. We ask our participants to fill out questionnaires, complete a variety of mentally challenging tasks, and exercise with the iPACES for at least 20 minutes 3 times a week, slowly building up to 45 minutes 5 times a week. We will then compare cognitive and biomarker outcomes from one-year of treatment intervention to synchronous, but non-interactive physical and cognitive exercise. We aim to enroll 120, co-residing MCI-caregiver pairs and both partners will need to participate in this study. 

Check out our data dashboard, where you can see charts and metrics about the study.

If you are interested in joining our next Parkinson's pilot study, click here to provide your contact information.

About iPACES

iPACES LLC is developing an innovative solution that utilizes Neuro-Exergaming to address the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRDs). Dementia cases are on the rise, and in the absence of a cure, the devastating impact has led to increased calls for expanded research. Behavioral interventions, such as exercise, have been noted to enhance brain health and can be useful in the prevention and remediation of cognitive decline, as in mild cognitive impairment (MCI). iPACES LLC aims to develop the next iteration of Neuro-Exergaming for the prevention and remediation of decline due to ADRDs through a clinical trial of the interactive Physical and Cognitive Exercise System (iPACES v3).

Thanks to the grant awarded to iPACES LLC by the National Institute on Aging under the auspices of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program and National Institutes of Health (NIH), this clinical trial has been made possible. During this current clinical trial, iPACES LLC aims to enhance long-term exercise as a treatment by adding a variety of interesting and stimulating Neuro-Exergames to promote adherence, coupled with the integration of assessments with remote data capture and updated versions of the game. The research will be conducted in an in-home clinical trial with MCI-caregiver pairs. We aim to compare cognitive and biomarker outcomes from one-year of treatment intervention with one-year of synchronous, but non-interactive physical and cognitive exercise. We hope to follow this investigation with preparation of results for publication and use in commercialization.

  • Dr. Cay Anderson-Hanley

    Neuropsychologist

  • Dr. Paul Arciero

    Applied Physiology and Nutrition Scientist

  • John Arciero

    COO

  • Dr. Tobi Saulnier

    1st Playable

Frequently asked questions

Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Reach out to us at info@myipaces.org

What does iPACES do?

iPACES is developing a neuro-exergame for use in clinical research.

Where is the current iPACES study located?

Our current study is a completely remote study.

Will I have to pay for the iPACES equipment?

No, we provide it to you free of charge.

Recent publications and featured articles

iPACES principals have been published in leading scientific journals and publications in recent years.

Clinical Interventions in Aging

The interactive Physical and Cognitive Exercise System (iPACES): effects of a 3-month in-home pilot clinical trial for mild cognitive impairment and caregivers

Background: Alzheimer’s and related dementias are on the rise, and older adults and their families are seeking accessible and effective ways to stave off or ameliorate mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Aim: This pilot clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: 03069391) examined neuropsychological and neurobiological outcomes of interactive physical and mental exercise. Participants and methods: Older adults (MCI and caregivers) were enrolled in a 3-month, in-home trial of a portable neuro-exergame (the interactive Physical and Cognitive Exercise System [iPACESTM]), in which they pedaled and steered along a virtual bike path to complete a list of errands (Memory LaneTM). Neuropsychological function and salivary biomarkers were measured at pre-, mid-, and posttrial. Ten older adults complied with the recommended use of iPACES (complete dose; $2×/wk, 67% of the 15 who also had pre- and postevaluation data). Statistical analyses compared change over time and also change among those with a complete dose vs inadequate dose. Correlations between change in neuropsychological and biomarker measures were also examined. Results: Executive function and verbal memory increased after 3 months (p = 0.01; no significant change was found with an inadequate dose). Change in salivary biomarkers was moderately associated with increasing cognition (cortisol, r = 0.68; IGF-1, r = 0.37). Conclusion: Further research is needed, but these pilot data provide preliminary indications to suggest neuro-exergaming can impact cognitive function, perhaps via neurobiological mechanisms, and as such may provide an effective and practical way to promote healthy aging.

Journal of Clinical Medicine

The Enhanced Interactive Physical and Cognitive Exercise System (iPACES v2.0): Pilot Clinical Trial

Abstract: Given increasing longevity worldwide, older adults and caregivers are seeking ways to curb cognitive decline especially for those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI, now mild neurocognitive disorder, mNCD, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th ed. (DSM-V). This quasi-experimental, within-subjects pilot clinical trial was designed to replicate and extend the study of cognitive benefits for MCI by improving upon our prior interactive Physical and Cognitive Exercise Study (iPACES v1.0) by increasing the usability of the neuro-exergame and exploring possible underlying neurobiological mechanisms. Older adults were enrolled in a three-month, in-home trial of a portable neuro-exergame (iPACES™ v2.0) where participants pedaled and steered along a virtual bike path (Memory Lane™). Neuropsychological function was assessed at baseline after component familiarization intervals (e.g., two weeks of exercise-only, game-only, etc.) and after three months of interactive neuro-exergame intervention. Fourteen participants were enrolled in the study and seven completed the final evaluation. Intent-to-treat analyses were conducted with imputed missing data (total n = 14). Significant improvement in executive function (Stroop) was found (d = 0.68, p = 0.02) only. Changes in salivary biomarkers (cortisol and insulin-like growth factor 1; IGF-1) were significantly associated with improved cognition. Further research is needed, but pilot data suggest that a portable in-home neuro-exergame may be an additional, practical tool to fight back against cognitive decline and dementia.

Informational Material

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