This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a multimodal intervention using immersive virtual reality (Virtual-METS) to improve cognitive function in middle-aged adults with metabolic syndrome and subjective cognitive complaints. The intervention combines cognitive training and physical exercise in group sessions over 12 weeks.
Demonstrated criteria for the MetS: central obesity (waist circumference ≥ 94 cm for men or ≥ 80 cm for women) and at least 2 of the criteria described as follow: Triglycerides ≥ 150 mg/dl or specific treatment of this lipid disorder; HDL-C < 40 mg/dl (men) or < 50 mg/dl (women) or specific treatment of this lipid disorder; Systolic blood pressure ≥ 130 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 85 mmHg or previously diagnosed hypertension treatment; Basal glycemia ≥ 100 mg/dl or type 2 diabetes previously diagnosed).
Age: between 45 and 70 years old.
Subjective cognitive complaints: Subjective Cognitive Decline Questionnaire (≥ 7).
Ability to fully understand and speak Spanish or Catalan.
Confirmed or suspicion of dementia (MMSE<24).
Diagnosis of severe psychiatric, neurological, developmental disorders, systemic pathologies, hematological, hormonal, nutritional pathology, and/or neoplasm that are known to cause cognitive deficits.
Other severe comorbidities considered a probable bias for the study: a cardiac history of unstable angina, recent myocardial infarction within the last 3 months, congestive heart failure, significant heart valve dysfunction, or unstable hypertension; taking medications that could negatively affect cognitive function.
Physical, motor, or sensory alterations that impede the neuropsychological examination or the rehabilitation program.