Influence of Sequential vs. Simultaneous Dual-Task Exercise Training on Cognitive Function in Older Adults.

Jamie L Tait,Catherine M Milte,Robin M Daly,Rachel L Duckham,Luana C Main

doi:10.3389/fnagi.2017.00368

Jamie L Tait, Catherine M Milte + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2017.00368

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Abstract

Emerging research indicates that exercise combined with cognitive training may improve cognitive function in older adults. Typically these programs have incorporated sequential training, where exercise and cognitive training are undertaken separately. However, simultaneous or dual-task training, where cognitive and/or motor training are performed simultaneously with exercise, may offer greater benefits. This review summary provides an overview of the effects of combined simultaneous vs. sequential training on cognitive function in older adults. Based on the available evidence, there are inconsistent findings with regard to the cognitive benefits of sequential training in comparison to cognitive or exercise training alone. In contrast, simultaneous training interventions, particularly multimodal exercise programs in combination with secondary tasks regulated by sensory cues, have significantly improved cognition in both healthy older and clinical populations. However, further research is needed to determine the optimal characteristics of a successful simultaneous training program for optimizing cognitive function in older people.

Highlights

Age-associated cognitive decline, which can progress to mild cognitive impairment and dementia, are growing public health concerns with no known cure
In one of the first factorial designed randomized controlled trials (RCT) to address whether sequential exercise-cognitive training improved cognitive function in healthy older adults, Fabre et al (2002) found that 8-weeks of moderate-intensity aerobic training performed twice per week combined with memory training once per week was more effective at improving a composite memory score than either approach alone
A 16-week factorial design RCT in 180 adults aged 65–93 years living independently in retirement villages found that a combination of walking and progressive resistance training (PRT), and cognitive training, or cognitive training alone, led to greater improvements in hand-eye coordination, global visual memory, and processing speed, than those who did not engage in cognitive training

Summary

INTRODUCTION

Age-associated cognitive decline, which can progress to mild cognitive impairment and dementia, are growing public health concerns with no known cure. In one of the first factorial designed randomized controlled trials (RCT) to address whether sequential exercise-cognitive training improved cognitive function in healthy older adults, Fabre et al (2002) found that 8-weeks of moderate-intensity aerobic training performed twice per week combined with memory training once per week was more effective at improving a composite memory score than either approach alone. A 16-week factorial design RCT in 180 adults aged 65–93 years living independently in retirement villages found that a combination of walking and progressive resistance training (PRT), and cognitive training (each performed three times per week), or cognitive training alone, led to greater improvements in hand-eye coordination, global visual memory, and processing speed, than those who did not engage in cognitive training (exercise-only and controls; Shatil, 2013). There is some evidence that simultaneous exercise-cognitive training studies incorporating aerobic training combined with cognitive challenges (e.g., exergaming) and memory training, are associated with cognitive improvements in healthy older adults

80 Factorial

Study design

Findings

CONCLUSION