Effect of agility ladder training with a cognitive task (dual task) on physical and cognitive functions: a randomized...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Neuroscience
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Agility training (AT) enhances neuromuscular performance and balance in older adults.
• Daily activities for seniors often involve dual-tasking, requiring simultaneous motor and cognitive skills.
• Age-related decline impacts physical function and cognitive abilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the physical and cognitive effects of a 14-week agility ladder training program in healthy older adults.
• To compare the outcomes of agility training alone (AT) versus dual-task training (AT combined with cognitive training [AT + CT]).

Main Methods:

• Sixteen older adults (mean age 66.9 ± 5.0 years) were divided into AT and AT + CT groups.
• Intervention involved 30-minute sessions twice weekly for 14 weeks.
• Physical and cognitive assessments included agility tests, balance tests, and cognitive function tests (verbal fluency, attention, memory).

Main Results:

• Both groups showed significant improvements in physical performance, muscle power, agility, balance, and short-term memory.
• The AT + CT group demonstrated additional significant improvements in phonological verbal fluency, executive function, attention, and short-term memory.

Conclusions:

• Agility training alone improves physical function and some cognitive aspects in older adults.
• Integrating cognitive training into agility programs specifically enhances cognitive functions like executive function and attention.