Effect of simultaneous exercise and cognitive training on executive functions, baroreflex sensitivity, and pre-frontal cortex oxygenation in healthy older adults: a pilot study

Abstract

Aging is characterized by cognitive decline affecting daily functioning. To manage this socio-economic challenge, several non-pharmacological methods such as physical, cognitive, and combined training are proposed. Although there is an important interest in this subject, the literature is still heterogeneous. The superiority of simultaneous training compared to passive control and physical training alone seems clear but very few studies compared simultaneous training to cognitive training alone. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the effect of simultaneous exercise and cognitive training on several cognitive domains in healthy older adults, in comparison with either training alone. Thirty-five healthy older adults were randomized into one of three experimental groups: exercise training, cognitive training, and simultaneous exercise and cognitive training. The protocol involved two 30-min sessions per week for 24 weeks. Cognitive performance in several domains, pre-frontal cortex oxygenation, and baroreflex sensitivity were assessed before and after the intervention. All groups improved executive performance, including flexibility or working memory. We found a group by time interaction for inhibition cost (F (2,28) = 6.44; p < 0.01) and baroreflex sensitivity during controlled breathing (F (2,25) = 4.22; p = 0.01), the magnitude of improvement of each variable being associated ( r = -0.39; p = 0.03). We also found a decrease in left and right pre-frontal cortex oxygenation in all groups during the trail making test B. A simultaneous exercise and cognitive training are more efficient than either training alone to improve executive function and baroreflex sensitivity. The results of this study may have important clinical repercussions by allowing to optimize the interventions designed to maintain the physical and cognitive health of older adults.

Patterns of improvement in functional ability and predictors of responders to dual-task exercise: A latent class analysis

“…Volume loss with aging leads to neuronal recruitment and reorganization with increased bilateral activation of the prefrontal cortex and widespread cortical activation including increased functional connectivity between cerebellar, motor, and cognitive regions ( 40 – 46 ). Simultaneous motor and cognitive exercises have shown to improve executive function, attention, baroreflex sensitivity, global cognition, gait, balance and sit-to-stand timing ( 6 , 47 ).…”

Acute Effects of Augmented Reality Exergames versus Cycle Ergometer on Reaction Time, Visual Attention, and Verbal Fluency in Community Older Adults

“…In the control group, the participants rested for 30 min and then performed the cognitive tests. The general procedure for the exercise sessions was similar to other studies [ 14 , 19 ] and was divided into the following phases: (1) measurement of blood pressure; (2) activation of HR monitor; (3) 30 min of activity; (4) immediate measurement of the Trail Making Test, verbal fluency, and reaction time. All of the sessions were conducted by an exercise physiologist.…”

Estimation of Respiratory Rate during Biking with a Single Sensor Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) System

“…Due to its noninvasive and mobile nature, fNIRS also has the advantage of being usable in outdoor applications [ 10 ]. Indeed, the advent of lightweight single sensor fNIRS equipment has opened new doors for outdoor studies, and, in particular, fitness applications [ 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ].…”