A facility-based "brain gym": feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a long-duration, low-frequency dual-task...

Exercise programs that combine cognitive and physical challenges may support cognition in aging populations. This single-arm feasibility study evaluated the implementation and acceptability of a 12-month, facility-based dual-task training (DTT) and exergame (EXG) exercise program in older adults residing in a senior living community.

Secondary exploratory analyses examined preliminary effectiveness on cognitive outcomes. Seventy-five residents aged 65 years and older participated in a long-duration, low-frequency program combining DTT and EXG interventions in a senior living community, completing 8-24 sessions over a 12-month period. Cognitive outcomes were assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), CNS Vital Signs (CNSVS), and a subjective memory questionnaire. Within-subject changes were examined using non-parametric tests and effect sizes.

Among the 75 participants enrolled in the program (mean age = 82.1 years; SD = 5.6, 61% female), feasibility endpoints were met, with 75% adherence to ≥16 sessions and no adverse events were reported. Exploratory analyses demonstrated statistically significant improvements in global cognition (MoCA; p < 0.0001, Cohen's d = 0.61), composite cognitive performance (CNSVS; p < 0.0001, d = 0.45), and in selected measures of processing speed and executive functioning. No dose-response relationship was observed between the number of sessions attended and the change in cognitive outcomes.

These findings suggest that a long-duration, low-frequency dual-task and exergame-enhanced program can be feasible and safe in a senior living setting and demonstrates preliminary evidence of cognitive benefit. Findings should be interpreted cautiously, given the single-arm design and the absence of a control group.