Modulation of physical exercise intensity in motor-cognitive training of adults using the SKILLCOURT technology

Motor-cognitive training and exergaming often only reach low-to-medium intensities that limits their training efficiency. This study evaluated the physiological profile of different exercises on a novel motor-cognitive training technology designed to cover a broad range of exercise intensities. Twenty-six healthy trained adults (17 males, 23.7 ± 3.8 years) performed five motor-cognitive training tasks on the SKILLCOURT technology. Oxygen consumption (VO₂), heart rate (HR), blood [lactate], perceived physical exertion (RPE) responses, and metabolic equivalent (MET) were assessed and compared to an incremental treadmill ramp test determining the maximal oxygen consumption (VO_2max) and maximal heart rate (HR_max). Computer-based cognitive training served as control condition. Motor-cognitive exercises reached a higher %VO_2max and %HR_max levels when compared to computer-based training (p < 0.001). Average intensity varied significantly between motor-cognitive tasks, with %VO_2max ranging from 22% to 81% (p < 0.001), %HR_max from 49% to 89% (p < 0.001), METs from 3.57 to 13.37 (p < 0.001), blood [lactate] from 0.93 to 7.81 mmol·L^-1 (p < 0.001), and RPE from 8.5 to 16.4 (p < 0.001). Motor-cognitive training covers a wide range of exercise intensities. This supports individual training subscription and allows high-intensity training to facilitate cardio-vascular adaptations and neural plasticity.