Dual-task multicomponent exercise-cognitive intervention improved cognitive function and functional fitness in older...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Neuroscience
• Exercise Science

Background:

• Cognitive and physical function are crucial for healthy aging.
• Interventions targeting both domains may enhance quality of life in older adults.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a Chinese language exercise-cognitive dual-task program on cognitive function and functional fitness in older adults.
• To compare the effects of the dual-task intervention against a standard exercise program and a control group.

Main Methods:

• Seventy adults aged 60-84 years were allocated to an exercise-cognitive dual-task (EC) group, an exercise group, or a control group.
• The EC group and exercise group underwent 90-minute classes twice weekly for 12 weeks.
• Cognitive functions and functional fitness were assessed pre- and post-intervention.

Main Results:

• Both EC and exercise groups showed significant improvements in cognitive tests (Taiwanese Frontal Assessment Battery, Orthographical Fluency Test, Mini-Mental State Examination) and functional fitness compared to the control group.
• The EC group demonstrated superior gains in verbal fluency, aerobic endurance, and lower body strength compared to the exercise group and control group.
• Improvements in cognitive scores correlated significantly with improvements in functional fitness.

Conclusions:

• The exercise-cognitive dual-task intervention yielded superior improvements in verbal fluency, endurance, and muscular strength compared to exercise alone.
• Dual-task training offers a promising approach to enhance cognitive and physical health in aging populations.