Abstract
Purpose: Physical and mental functions allow classifying older adults as “Go-Go” (independent functioning); “Slow-Go” (in need of care with a slight handicap); and “No-Go” (in need of care with severe functional limitation). The latter group exhibits reduced exercise tolerance. More recently technology-based motor-cognitive types of training services emerged as a possible training service. This study examined the use of technology including stochastic resonance whole-body vibration and Exergame-dance training for motor-cognitive training in care home dwelling adults.Methods: Seventeen older adults (10 women, 7 men, age range: 79–98) were randomly assigned to the intervention (IG, n = 9) or the sham group (SG, n = 8). IG performed five sets of 1-min whole-body vibration with 1-min rest in between, three times a week for the first 4 weeks of the training period with varying frequency. From weeks five to eight the Exergame-dance training was conducted after the vibration sessions. SG performed a stochastic resonance whole-body vibration training with the same terms applied, however, with a fixed frequency of 1 Hz, Noise 1. From weeks five to eight a passive trampoline-programme of 5 min was applied following the vibration sessions. Primary outcome was the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Secondary outcomes were the Trail Making Test A and B (TMT A & B) and the Falls Efficacy Scale–International (FES-I). Outcomes were measured at baseline, after 4 and 8 weeks of intervention and at follow-up (4 weeks after the intervention). The non-parametric Puri and Sen rank-order test was applied, followed by an ANOVA for repeated measures to analyse main and interaction effects. Mann–Whitney U-Test was used to determine differences between the groups.Results: The post-hoc analysis showed significant effects on the SPPB total score with large effect sizes from baseline to 8 weeks (+72%, p = 0.005, η2 = 0.423). The TMT part B displayed significant improvements with large effect sizes from baseline to 8 weeks (+17.5%, p = 0.002, η2 = 0.779) and to follow-up (+21%, p = 0.001, η2 = 0.827).Conclusion: The technology based 8-week training programme consisting of a combination of stochastic resonance whole-body vibration and Exergame-dance training showed beneficial effects on both physical and cognitive performance in older care home dwelling adults.
Highlights
Maintenance or expansion of intellectual powers, autonomy, and superior physiological functioning, characterizes successful aging (SA) [1]
In view of the above, the aims of this study were to assess the effects of SR-whole body vibration (WBV) that gets combined with Exergame-Dance Training (ExDT) on (i) functional and (ii) cognitive performance of care-dependent older adults
Our results show that the combination of Stochastic Resonance Whole-Body Vibration (SR-WBV) and Exergame-dance training (EXDT) has beneficial effects on both physical and cognitive performance levels when compared to a sham intervention
Summary
Maintenance or expansion of intellectual powers, autonomy, and superior physiological functioning, characterizes successful aging (SA) [1]. Usual aging is associated with reduced autonomy, poor physiological functioning, the loss of balance, and cognition [1, 2] as well as a general decline in functional performance [3]. An accumulation of physical limitations, cognitive impairments, and/or loss of social support may drive functional decline to such an extent, that institutionalization in long-term care becomes a reality [4]. Exercise programmes are needed that enable maintenance of functional performance; e.g., through strengthening of the leg extensor muscles [6], at the highest possible level in long-term care to enhance independence and lower the risk of developing or aggravating disability [7]
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