Effects of balance-based visual reaction time exercises on cognitive and physical performance in older adults: a...

Technological approaches that promote cognitive-motor abilities through visual information have recently become increasingly prevalent. This study aims to verify the effects of balance-based visual reaction time exercises on physical and cognitive performance in older adults. In this randomized controlled trial, 31 participants (aged 71.70 ± 5.67 years) were randomly allocated into two groups. The intervention group (n = 16) was enrolled in a balanced-based visual reaction exercise program, and the control group (n = 15) in a functional balance exercise program. The participants were assessed both prior to and following the intervention. Primary outcomes included global cognitive function, assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA); executive function, measured through the Stroop Test; and reaction time, evaluated using the BlazePod system and the New Test. Secondary outcomes focused on physical performance and included the Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test (FTSS), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), Four Square Step Test (FSST), Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), and the Falls Efficacy Scale (FES) to assess fear of falling. At reassessment, the intervention group exhibited a significantly faster reaction time and made fewer mistakes on the Stroop test compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The intervention group also exhibited better physical performance and less fear of falling (p < 0.05). However, no significant improvements were observed in global cognitive function, as measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), or in Stroop Interference scores (p [Formula: see text] 0.05). Two-model multiple linear regression analysis revealed that the changes in BlazePod reaction affected the improvement in TUG (β = 0.006, adjusted R² = 0.24) and FES (β = 0.013, adjusted R² = 0.15). In addition, the enhancement in FSST was influenced by changes in the BlazePod stroke (β=-0.585, Delta R² = 0.22). This study demonstrated that balance-based visual reaction time exercises significantly improved reaction time and physical performance in older adults, while no significant changes were observed in executive function measures. These findings highlight the potential of visually guided dual-task training as a feasible strategy to enhance functional outcomes in this population.