Effects of simultaneously performed cognitive and physical training in older adults

Abstract

BackgroundWhile many studies confirm the positive effect of cognitive and physical training on cognitive performance of older adults, only little is known about the effects of simultaneously performed cognitive and physical training. In the current study, older adults simultaneously performed a verbal working memory and a cardiovascular training to improve cognitive and motor-cognitive dual task performance. Twenty training sessions of 30 minutes each were conducted over a period of ten weeks, with a test session before, in the middle, and after the training. Training gains were tested in measures of selective attention, paired-associates learning, executive control, reasoning, memory span, information processing speed, and motor-cognitive dual task performance in the form of walking and simultaneously performing a working memory task.ResultsSixty-three participants with a mean age of 71.8 ± 4.9 years (range 65 to 84) either performed the simultaneous training (N = 21), performed a single working memory training (N = 16), or attended no training at all (N = 26). The results indicate similar training progress and larger improvements in the executive control task for both training groups when compared to the passive control group. In addition, the simultaneous training resulted in larger improvements compared to the single cognitive training in the paired-associates task and was able to reduce the step-to-step variability during the motor-cognitive dual task when compared to the single cognitive training and the passive control group.ConclusionsThe simultaneous training of cognitive and physical abilities presents a promising training concept to improve cognitive and motor-cognitive dual task performance, offering greater potential on daily life functioning, which usually involves the recruitment of multiple abilities and resources rather than a single one.

Actividad física y función cognitiva: una comparación en dos grupos de adultos mayores, un estudio piloto

“…Sin embargo, no está claro qué tipo de intervención presenta mejores resultados, si el entrenamiento aeróbico, el de fuerza, el de flexibilidad o la combinación entre entrenamiento de las funciones cognitivas y de actividad física (23).…”

Comparing the Transfer Effects of Simultaneously and Sequentially Combined Aerobic Exercise and Cognitive Training in Older Adults

“…For example, Theill et al (2013) paired a verbal working memory task with concurrent moderate-intensity aerobic exercise. Both the multimodal and pure cognitive training groups showed the same degree of cognitive improvement with the exception of a task of visual memory, which improved more in the multimodal group.…”

Design and Implementation of an Antagonistic Exercise Support System Using a Depth Image Sensor

“…Although activities related to dementia prevention have hitherto mostly consisted of exercises that only target motor functions, it has been reported that greater dementia preventive effects can be achieved by performing simultaneous cognitive function and motor function exercises [4]. Recently, exercises have been developed in which cognitive function and motor function exercises are performed simultaneously.…”

“…Effective ways of preventing dementia are thought to include lifestyle and dietary improvements, social activity, and appropriate exercise [2], [3]. Also, methods that combine motor function and cognitive function exercises have been reported to be highly effective [4]. Antagonistic exercises aim to prevent dementia by having people perform different movements with the upper and lower limbs on the left and right sides as a way of exercising motor function and cognitive function simultaneously [5], [6].…”