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Updated: Jun 27, 2026
A Training Program Using an Agility Ladder for Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Published on: March 7, 2020
Distinct neural mechanisms underlying the effects of agility and resistance-aerobic training on executive function
Shiuan-Ling Huang1,2, Yan-Ci Liu1,3
1School and Graduate Institute of Physical Therapy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
Introduction:
Executive function (EF) is essential for daily functioning. While exercise enhances EF, the specific effects of different training types remain unclear. Agility training (AT), which integrates cognitive and motor demands, is a promising but understudied intervention. This study compared the effects of AT versus combined resistance-aerobic training (RAeT) on EF, dual-task walking, and their underlying neural mechanisms in healthy adults.
Methods:
In this randomized controlled trial, 26 healthy adults were assigned to either AT (n = 13) or RAeT (n = 13) group. Both interventions consisted of nine 50-min sessions over 3 weeks. Assessments were conducted at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and one-month follow-up, measuring EF (working memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility), dual-task walking, and brain activation via functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS).
Results:
AT and RAeT induced distinct behavioral and neural patterns. AT primarily enhanced executive function, significantly reducing Stroop incongruent response times (Pre: 1085.20 ms; Post: 907.96 ms; F/u: 843.00 ms; Pre-Post p = 0.016, Pre-F/u p = 0.002). Conversely, RAeT significantly improved cognitive processing speed during dual-task walking (Pre: 0.26/s; Post: 0.29/s; F/u: 0.28/s; Pre-Post p = 0.018, Pre-F/u p = 0.008). These behavioral changes were mirrored by different neural patterns: during EF tasks, the AT group exhibited lower brain activation in prefrontal and premotor cortices, suggesting a more economical neural recruitment pattern. During dual-task walking, the RAeT group also demonstrated lower brain activation, consistent with enhanced motor automaticity.
Conclusion:
These preliminary findings suggest that AT and RAeT may improve cognitive-motor function through distinct neurophysiological mechanisms. AT optimized efficiency in reactive cognitive control, while RAeT enhanced efficiency in integrated cognitive-motor activities. Agility training is thus a flexible, practical, and cost-effective option for improving brain and cognitive function, especially in settings with limited equipment.
