With the aging population, the preservation of cognitive abilities and functional balance in elderly individuals has emerged as a critical issue for maintaining autonomy and quality of life in this population. The practice of activities that combine cognitive and motor stimuli, known as cognitive-motor training, has been suggested as an effective strategy to mitigate the physical and cognitive declines associated with aging. In light of this, the present study aims to analyze the effects of cognitive-motor training on functional balance and cognition in the elderly, based on a literature review. The methodology adopted was a literature review using scientific databases such as Google Scholar and the CAPES Periodicals Platform to select articles addressing the impact of cognitive activities combined with physical exercises on the balance and cognitive abilities of elderly individuals. The main results suggest that cognitive-motor training has positive effects on functional balance, enhancing postural stability and mobility in the elderly. These benefits directly impact the reduction of fall risks, a determining factor for quality of life in older age. Additionally, cognitive-motor training was found to contribute to improvements in memory, attention, and mental processing, highlighting the potential of this intervention for maintaining cognition in elderly individuals. However, the review identified some important limitations, as many of the studies analyzed were conducted in specific contexts, which may limit the generalization of results to different profiles of elderly individuals and environments. Therefore, future research should explore the diversity of approaches and adapt protocols to different realities, seeking to validate the observed effects across a broader range of conditions. It is concluded that cognitive-motor training represents a valuable strategy for promoting balance and cognition in the elderly, potentially contributing to the maintenance of autonomy and quality of life. From this review, the importance of developing personalized interventions and investigating new methodologies that maximize the benefits of cognitive-motor training is emphasized, consolidating it as an effective and safe practice in elderly health care.
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