Abstract
BackgroundPhysical exercise has the potential to affect cognitive function, but most evidence to date focuses on cognitive effects of fitness training. Cognitive exercise also may influence cognitive function, but many cognitive training paradigms have failed to provide carry-over to daily cognitive function. Video games provide a broader, more contextual approach to cognitive training that may induce cognitive gains and have carry over to daily function. Most video games do not involve physical exercise, but some novel forms of interactive video games combine physical activity and cognitive challenge.Methods/DesignThis paper describes a randomized clinical trial in 168 postmenopausal sedentary overweight women that compares an interactive video dance game with brisk walking and delayed entry controls. The primary endpoint is adherence to activity at six months. Additional endpoints include aspects of physical and mental health. We focus this report primarily on the rationale and plans for assessment of multiple cognitive functions.DiscussionThis randomized clinical trial may provide new information about the cognitive effects of interactive videodance. It is also the first trial to examine physical and cognitive effects in older women. Interactive video games may offer novel strategies to promote physical activity and health across the life span.The study is IRB approved and the number is: PRO08080012ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01443455
Highlights
Physical exercise has the potential to affect cognitive function, but most evidence to date focuses on cognitive effects of fitness training
Physical exercise has the potential to affect cognitive function, but most evidence to date focuses on cognitive effects of aerobic training. [1,2,3] Cognitive exercise may influence cognitive function, but many cognitive training paradigms have failed to provide transferto daily cognitive function or have small effects. [2,3,4] Video games provide a broader, more contextual approach to cognitive training that may induce cognitive gains and have carry over to daily function. [3,5] Most video games do not involve physical exercise, but some novel forms of interactive video games combine physical activity and cognitive challenge [5,6]
The purpose of this report is to provide an overview of a randomized clinical trial in postmenopausal sedentary overweight women for effects on physical and cognitive
Summary
This randomized clinical trial may provide new information about the cognitive effects of interactive videodance. It is the first trial to examine physical and cognitive effects in older women. Interactive video games may offer novel strategies to promote physical activity and health across the life span. The study is IRB approved and the number is: PRO08080012 ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01443455
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