A Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol to Test the Efficacy of a Dual-Task Multicomponent Exercise Program vs. a Simple Program on Cognitive and Fitness Performance in Elderly People.

Juan Antonio Párraga-Montilla,Agustín Aibar-Almazán,Pedro Ángel Latorre-Román,José Carlos Cabrera-Linares,Víctor Serrano Huete,María Dolores Escarabajal Arrieta,Emilio Lozano-Aguilera

doi:10.3390/ijerph18126507

Abstract

Background: The necessity of improve the life quality in elderly people is well-known. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of physical and cognitive training programs, as well as their combination on the cognitive functions and physical capacities in women over 80 years old. Methods: Forty-three women took part in this study (80.86 ± 5.03 years). They were divided into four groups (three experimental groups and one control group). Experimental group 1 performed cognitive training. Experimental group 2 did physical–cognitive training, and Experimental Group 3 accomplished physical training. All of training programs had duration of eight weeks (five sessions of 60 min per week). We measured cognitive variables with the Stroop test, D2 test, and Trail Making test. Physical variables were measured with handgrip strength, Minute Step Test, and visual–acoustic reaction time. Results. Control group reduces his physical and cognitive capacities, while the three experimental groups increase these capacities. We found a strong correlation between the increase of physical and cognitive capacities. Conclusion: Eight weeks of training physical, cognitive or mixed, increased physical and cognitive functions of elderly people which may reduce the negative effects of the aging process.

Highlights

Physical activity and cognitive activity are aspects of the well-being of elderly people and are associated with health, morbidity, and mortality [1,2]
There has been renewed interest in physical activity associated with increased brain volume and its impact on cognitive function, which is reduced in old age as a natural aging process [4]
The results show that there are significant differences between control group (CG) and CG1, CG2, and CG3 (p < 0.05)

Summary

Introduction

Physical activity and cognitive activity are aspects of the well-being of elderly people and are associated with health, morbidity, and mortality [1,2]. There has been renewed interest in physical activity associated with increased brain volume and its impact on cognitive function, which is reduced in old age as a natural aging process [4]. It is important to focus on motor task exercises that demand attention and involve physical and cognitive capacity simultaneously (dual task). It can be a novel indicator for the detection of physical and cognitive frailty in elderly [5]. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of physical and cognitive training programs, as well as their combination on the cognitive functions and physical capacities in women over 80 years old

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion