Influence of combined physical and cognitive training on cognition: a systematic review

Abstract

BackgroundNumerous daily activities require simultaneous application of motor and cognitive skills (dual-tasking). The execution of such tasks is especially difficult for the elderly and for people with (neuro-) degenerative disorders. Training of physical and cognitive abilities helps prevent or slow down the age-related decline of cognition. The aim of this review is to summarise and assess the role of combined physical-and-cognitive-training characteristics in improving cognitive performance and to propose an effective training scheme within the frame of a suitable experimental design.MethodsA systematic electronic literature search was conducted in selected databases. The following criteria were compulsory for inclusion in the study: 1. A (Randomized) Controlled Trial (RCT or CT) design; 2. Implementation of combined physical and cognitive training, either simultaneously (dual task) or subsequently - at least one hour per weekly over four weeks or more; 3. Cognitive outcomes as a study’s endpoint.ResultsTwenty articles met the inclusion criteria. It appears that either simultaneous or subsequently combined physical and cognitive training is more successful compared to single physical or single cognitive exercise. Training characteristics like length, frequency, duration, intensity and level of task difficulty seem to determine cognitive performance. However, the articles show that cognitive improvement seems to remain somewhat confined to trained cognitive functions rather than generalising to other cognitive or daily-living skills.ConclusionDue to methodological heterogeneity among studies, results need to be treated with caution. We critically discuss the role of training characteristics and propose a potentially effective training intervention within an appropriate experimental design.

The Effect of Age on Gait Speed When Texting

“…Behavioural strategies such as those leading to "texting lanes" in other countries may be a useful tool to address this issue more broadly [26]. Targeted approaches could include specific training to improve dual-tasking in both younger and older people [27,28], with evidence that combined physical and cognitive training can lead to cognitive improvement in attention and executive function [29]. While neurodegeneration is not the only factor contributing to the slowing of gait speed, practice in texting while walking therefore has the potential to maintain the complex pathways at the cognitive-motor interface.…”

No Overt Effects of a 6-Week Exergame Training on Sensorimotor and Cognitive Function in Older Adults. A Preliminary Investigation

“…Coordination training combining balance, limb coordination, spatial orientation and reaction time tasks are also effective in modulating brain structure and function that are associated with improvements in cognition and motor performance (Voelcker-Rehage et al, 2010, 2011). Comparative studies revealed that combining motor and cognitive demands during exercising can even lead to greater enhancements in cognition than training the domains separately (Fabre et al, 2002; Oswald et al, 2006; Lauenroth et al, 2016). It has been argued that enhanced neuronal metabolic processes induced by physical activity can only be exploited efficiently when the brain is simultaneously challenged by cognitive demands (Oswald et al, 2006; Bamidis et al, 2014).…”

The influence of physical exercise on improvement of cognitive functions

“…Iako fizičko vežbanje nesumnjivo doprinosi unapređenju kognitivnog funkcionisanja čoveka ne treba ga shvatati kao "vakcinu" protiv neurodegenerativnih bolesti. Fizičko vežbanje svakako predstavlja jedan od važnih protektivnih faktora, ali samostalno ne može zameniti aktivnosti koje direktno razvijaju i unapređuju kognitivno funkcionisanje (Duay & Bryan, 2006;Henderson, 2014;Lauenroth, Ioannidis, & Teichmann, 2016). Stoga, u kombinaciji sa "mentalnim treninzima", fizičku aktivnost treba shvatati kao pomoć u unapređenju kognitivnih funkcija i, svakako, kao jednu od osnova opšteg psihofizičkog zdravlja.…”