120 min/week of neuromotor multicomponent training are enough to improve executive function and functional fitness in older women.

Abstract

The study aimed at comparing the effects of a neuromotor multicomponent training program (MCTP) on executive function, functional fitness, blood pressure, body composition and health-related quality of life (HRQOL), compared with a concurrent strength and endurance exercise training program (CONTROL-EXE) and a cognitive training program (CONTROL-COG). 56 older women (73±6years) completed the 30-weeks intervention. The three groups attended two 60-min sessions per week and they were assessed before and after the intervention. MCTP showed a moderate improvement in Stroop C condition (28±7 vs 32±8 correct items; p=0.001; d=0.53) and Stroop interference score (-7.4±7.3 vs -3.7±6.1; p=0.035; d=0.55), while no changes were observed among control groups. MCTP showed a small to moderate improvement in Timed Up and Go test (TUGT) (5.85±0.58 vs 5.46±0.56s; p<0.001; d=0.71) and Chair-Stand test (CST) (18±4 vs 19±4 repetitions; p<0.001; d=0.47); while CONTROL-EXE only improved moderately at TUGT (7.02±1.1 vs 6.44±0.91s; p=0.005; d=0.59) and CONTROL-COG showed a moderate to small worsening in TUGT, CST and handgrip strength. Additionally, MCTP enhanced body composition and HRQOL. Lastly, both exercise groups showed lowered blood pressure values. Our results suggest that a neuromotor MCTP could be considered as a highly suitable training to enhance executive function, functional fitness, HRQOL and body composition in older women.