Effects of motor and cognitive-motor training on cognitive performance in healthy older adults

With a rapidly aging global population, identifying effective strategies to preserve cognitive health and functional independence is increasingly important. This study investigated the effects of motor and combined cognitive-motor training on cognitive performance and well-being in healthy older adults against a control condition. Participants completed four assessments, each spaced 1 month apart, which served as the control condition. The first two assessments constituted a double-baseline period during which no training was administered. The third and fourth assessments followed the motor and cognitive-motor training phases, respectively, with the order of training counterbalanced across participants. Training was delivered to 23 individuals at home via the rehability telerehabilitation platform, which provided daily serious games targeting motor and cognitive skills. Outcomes were assessed using standardized cognitive tests and validated well-being questionnaires. Sample size was determined a priori assessing the risk of misconclusion, and Bayesian statistics were used to obtain nuanced yet robust results. The study was preregistered. Results indicated that both motor and cognitive-motor training led to improvements in key cognitive domains, including memory (BF₁₀ = 156.837), processing speed (BF₁₀ = 4.687) and inhibitory control (BF₁₀ = 101.559). These gains were observed relative to the control condition, suggesting a key role of the interventions rather than a mere effect of time, test learning or spontaneous improvement. No significant changes were observed in self-reported mood or overall well-being suggesting that cognitive and psychological outcomes might be impacted differently by the training.