Dataset Information

Effects of simultaneous cognitive and aerobic exercise training on dual-task walking performance in healthy older adults: results from a pilot randomized controlled trial.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:The ability to walk and perform cognitive tasks simultaneously is a key aspect of daily life. Performance declines in these dual-tasks may be associated with early signs of neurodegenerative disease and increased risk of falls. Thus, interventions to improve dual-task walking performance are of great interest for promoting healthy aging. Here, we present results of a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate the effects of a simultaneous aerobic exercise and cognitive training intervention on dual-task walking performance in healthy older adults. METHODS:Community-dwelling, healthy older adults were recruited to participate in a 12-week RCT. Participants were randomized into one of four groups (n?=?74): 1) cognitive training (COG), 2) aerobic exercise (EX), 3) combined aerobic exercise and cognitive training (EXCOG), and 4) video-watching control (CON). The COG and EXCOG groups both used a tablet-based cognitive training program that challenged aspects of executive cognitive function, memory, and processing speed. Performance on a dual-task walking test (DTWT; serial subtraction during two-minute walk) was assessed by researchers blinded to groupings before the intervention, and at 6 and 12?weeks. We included all participants randomized with baseline measurements in an intention to treat analysis using linear mixed effects models. RESULTS:We found a significant group by time interaction for cognitive performance on the DTWT (p?=?0.039). Specifically, participants in the EXCOG, EX, and COG groups significantly improved on the cognitive aspect of the DTWT following the full 12-week intervention (p?=?3.5e-7, p?=?0.048, p?=?0.048, respectively). The improvements in EXCOG were twice as large as in the other groups, and were significant at 6?weeks (p?=?0.019). The CON group did not show a significant change in cognitive performance on the DTWT, and no group significantly altered dual-task gait measures following the intervention. CONCLUSIONS:A simultaneous aerobic exercise and cognitive training intervention significantly improved cognitive performance during a DTWT in healthy older adults. Despite no change in DTWT gait measures, significant improvements in cognitive performance indicate that further investigation in a larger RCT is warranted. TRIAL REGISTRATION:Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04120792, Retrospectively Registered 08 October 2019.

SUBMITTER: Raichlen DA

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7052975 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Publications

Effects of simultaneous cognitive and aerobic exercise training on dual-task walking performance in healthy older adults: results from a pilot randomized controlled trial.

Raichlen David A DA Bharadwaj Pradyumna K PK Nguyen Lauren A LA Franchetti Mary Kathryn MK Zigman Erika K EK Solorio Abigail R AR Alexander Gene E GE

BMC geriatrics 20200302 1

<h4>Background</h4>The ability to walk and perform cognitive tasks simultaneously is a key aspect of daily life. Performance declines in these dual-tasks may be associated with early signs of neurodegenerative disease and increased risk of falls. Thus, interventions to improve dual-task walking performance are of great interest for promoting healthy aging. Here, we present results of a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate the effects of a simultaneous aerobic exercise and cognitiv ...[more]

PMID: 32122325

Similar Datasets

Project description:Objective: Physical and cognitive impairments are common with aging and often coexist. Changes in the level of physical and mental activity are prognostic for adverse health events and falls. Dual-task (DT) training programs that can improve mobility and cognition simultaneously can bring significant improvements in rehabilitation. The objective of this mixed methods exploratory RCT was to provide evidence for the feasibility and therapeutic value of a novel game-assisted DT exercise program in older adults. Methods: Twenty-two community dwelling participants, between the ages of 70-85 were randomized to either dual-task treadmill walking (DT-TR) or dual-task recumbent bicycle (DT-RC). Both groups viewed a standard LED computer monitor and performed a range of cognitive game tasks while walking or cycling; made possible with the use of a "hands-free", miniature, inertial-based computer mouse. Participants performed their respective 1-h DT exercise program twice a week, for 12 weeks at a community fitness centre. Semi-structured interviews and qualitative analysis was conducted to evaluate the participant's experiences with the exercise program. Quantitative analysis included measures of standing balance, gait function (spatiotemporal gait variable), visuomotor and executive cognitive function, tested under single and DT walking conditions. Results: Compliance was 100% for all 22 participants. Four themes captured the range of participant's experiences and opinions: 1) reasons for participation, 2) difficulties with using the technologies, 3) engagement with the computer games, and 4) positive effects of the program. Both groups showed significant improvements in standing balance performance, visuomotor and visuospatial executive function. However, significant improvement in dual task gait function was observed only in the DT-TR group. Medium to large effect sizes were observed for most balance, spatiotemporal gait variables, and cognitive performance measure. Conclusion: With only minor difficulties with the technology being reported, the findings demonstrate feasible trial procedures and acceptable DT oriented training with a high compliance rate and positive outcomes. These findings support further research and development, and will direct the next phase of a full-scale RCT.

Dataset Information

Effects of simultaneous cognitive and aerobic exercise training on dual-task walking performance in healthy older adults: results from a pilot randomized controlled trial.

Publications

Effects of simultaneous cognitive and aerobic exercise training on dual-task walking performance in healthy older adults: results from a pilot randomized controlled trial.

Similar Datasets

OmicsDI is part of the ELIXIR infrastructure

Tweets