A Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol to Test the Efficacy of a Dual-Task Multicomponent Exercise Program vs. a Simple Program on Cognitive and Fitness Performance in Elderly People

Lifestyle interventions for dementia risk reduction: A review on the role of physical activity and diet in Western and Asian Countries

Dementia, is a critical global public health challenge with no effective pharmacological treatments. Recent research highlights the significant role of lifestyle interventions, particularly physical activity and dietary habits, in mitigating cognitive decline among the elderly and preventing the progression to dementia in individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). This comprehensive review explores the impact of physical exercise and dietary approaches on cognitive health, comparing strategies adopted in Western and Asian countries. Physical activity, including aerobic, resistance, balance training, and dual-task exercises, has been shown to enhance neurogenesis, improve cerebral blood flow, and delay cognitive decline. In Western countries, structured regimens such as the Mediterranean (MedDiet) and MIND diets are prominent, while Asian countries often integrate traditional mind-body practices like Tai Chi and culturally relevant diets rich in antioxidants and polyphenols. Although both regions recognize the importance of lifestyle changes in reducing dementia risk, their approaches differ significantly, shaped by cultural norms and dietary preferences. This review underscores the need for culturally tailored public health strategies to promote cognitive health globally, highlighting the importance of individualized approaches in MCI and dementia prevention.

The effect of motor dual-task training on gait and mobility performances in children with intellectual disabilities

The study investigated the impact of motor dual-task training on gait and mobility in children with intellectual disabilities. Performance was assessed using the Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT) and the 10-Meter Walking Test (TMWT) before and after an 8-week training period, with participants divided into a Trained Group (n=12) and a Control Group (n=14). Results indicated that, across both groups and regardless of session, TUGT and TMWT scores were significantly higher (p < 0.001) in the motor dual-task condition compared to the single-task condition. Post-training, TUGT scores significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in the single-task condition. The Trained Group showed significant improvements in second motor-task performance on both TUGT (p < 0.05) and TMWT (p < 0.001) under dual-task conditions, while the Control Group showed no change. The study demonstrated the effectiveness of motor dual-task training in enhancing mobility in children with intellectual disabilities.

Effect of combined physical-cognitive training on the functional and cognitive capacity of older people with mild cognitive impairment: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The increase in population aging highlights the growing prevalence of mild cognitive impairment, prompting the adoption of interventions that combine physical exercise and cognitive training to improve health and cognitive performance in older adults. The aim of this study was to analyze the efficacy of a combined program on physical and cognitive health in older people with cognitive impairment.

METHODS

A 12-week randomized controlled clinical trial involving 95 participants (aged 72.12 ± 4.25 years), 47 individuals participated in a control group (CG) that only underwent cognitive stimulation, while 48 individuals were in an experimental group (EG) that participated in a combined program. Balance was measured using the Tinetti scale, upper body strength was assessed with the arm curl test, lower body strength was evaluated with the 30-s chair stand test, flexibility was tested using the back scratch test and chair sit-and-reach test, physical function was measured with the Timed Up and Go test, cognitive function was assessed using the Mini Mental State Examination, cognitive impairment was evaluated with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, verbal fluency was tested with the Isaac test, and executive functions were assessed using the Trail Making Test.

RESULTS

The results of the study show significant improvements in both physical and cognitive aspects, such as balance, gait, upper and lower body strength, flexibility, physical function, cognitive function, cognitive impairment, verbal fluency, and executive functions in the group that carried out the intervention compared to the control group.

CONCLUSION

A combined program for older individuals with mild cognitive impairment leads to enhancements in physical and cognitive health. These improvements underscore the importance of integrating physical exercise with cognitive training as an effective strategy for enhancing overall health and quality of life in older adults.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT05503641.

Effects of a dual-task activity on gait parameters of people with and without intellectual disabilities

BACKGROUND

The main objective of this study was to evaluate gait parameters in people with intellectual disability (ID) and without intellectual disability (WID) in two different walking conditions [single task vs. dual task (DT)]. A secondary aim was to evaluate the dual-task cost (DTC) that the DT causes in each group.

METHODS

A total of 119 participants joined in this study: 56 ID (30 men) and 63 WID (30 men). The OptoGait system was used to assess gait. In addition, Witty photocells were added to assess gait under the DT condition.

RESULTS

Single support time was lower for participants with ID (P < 0.01), while double support time was higher (P < 0.05). All coefficients of variation for gait parameters were higher in participants with ID. Additionally, changes in gait were observed in both groups during the DT condition compared with the single-task condition. These changes were larger for participants with ID in step length, double support time and gait speed (P < 0.001), resulting in a higher DTC in these variables in the ID group (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Both groups reduced gait performance in the DT condition. However, greater gait variability occurred in the ID group. In addition, DTC was higher for the ID group in all variables analysed. Therefore, people with ID show worse gait performance during a DT than people WID.

Factors influencing gait performance in older adults in a dual-task paradigm

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of cognitive interference through a dual-task (DT) paradigm on gait parameters by sex or other predictive variables, such as physical fitness, health status, and cognition. A total of 125 older adults joined in this study (age, 72.42 ± 5.56 years old; 28 men and 97 women). The DT paradigm was evaluated through Comfortable Linear Gait (CLG) and Complex Gait Test (CGT). The gait parameters between single task (ST) vs. DT condition in men showed a significant reduction in speed (p < 0.001), cadence (p < 0.001), and step length (p = 0.049) and increased time to execute the CGT (p < 0.001), while women showed a decreased speed (p = 0.014), cadence (p < 0.001), and double support coefficient variation (CV) (p = 0.024) and increased single support time (p < 0.001) and CV step length (p < 0.05). In addition, women increased CGT time (p < 0.001). Furthermore, correlations between DT cost (DTC) cadence vs. Physical Activity for Elderly questionnaire (PASE) (r =  - 0.399; p = 0.008), DTC single support vs. 30 s Sit to Stand Test (r = - 0.356; 0.016), DTC single support vs. Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test-Learning curve (r =  - 0.335; p = 0.023), DTC double support vs. 30 s Sit to Stand Test (r =  - 0.590; p < 0.001), DTC CV step length vs. 30 s Sit to Stand (r =  - 0.545; p = 0.003), and DTC CGT vs. 30 s Sit to Stand Test (r =  - 0.377; p = 0.048) were found. The results of our study indicate that the gait parameters within the DT condition decreased speed and cadence, while increasing CV step length and CGT time, causing slower gait with shortened steps in men and women.

The Interplay of Sports and Nutrition in Neurological Health and Recovery

This comprehensive review explores the dynamic relationship between sports, nutrition, and neurological health. Focusing on recent clinical advancements, it examines how physical activity and dietary practices influence the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of various neurological conditions. The review highlights the role of neuroimaging in understanding these interactions, discusses emerging technologies in neurotherapeutic interventions, and evaluates the efficacy of sports and nutritional strategies in enhancing neurological recovery. This synthesis of current knowledge aims to provide a deeper understanding of how lifestyle factors can be integrated into clinical practices to improve neurological outcomes.

Effects of exercise interventions on cognitive functions in healthy populations: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Chronic exercise intervention is a non-pharmacological therapy suggested to improve cognitive function in various populations. However, few meta-analyses have assessed the cognitive benefits associated with all FITT-VP variables (exercise frequency, intensity, bout duration time, type, volume or total intervention length, and progression) in healthy populations by age. Thus, this meta-analysis assessed the effects of each FITT-VP variable on cognitive function in healthy children, adults, and older adults. This study followed PRISMA guidelines. After searching PubMed and the Web of Science, we included 54 randomized controlled trials to examined the effects of FITT-VP variables on five cognitive domains: global cognition, executive function, memory, attention, and information processing. Moderation analyses assessed the effects by age and by each exercise variables. Exercise benefitted overall cognition and all subcognitive domains. Aerobic and resistance exercise showed the greatest benefits on global cognition and executive function respectively, whereas mind-body exercise benefitted memory. Among all populations, older adults showed the greatest benefits of exercise on global cognition, executive function, and memory compared with controls. Additional studies are needed to assess the effects of exercise on attention and information processing. This meta-analysis offers new insights on the relationships between cognition and FITT-VP exercise variables in healthy populations.

Immediate and short-term effects of single-task and motor-cognitive dual-task on executive function

OBJECTIVES

Executive function plays an important role in our daily life and can be affected by both single task (acute aerobic exercise or cognitive training) and dual-task (acute motor-cognitive training) interventions. Here we explored the immediate and short-term effect on executive function to texted whether dual-task interventions are more effective at promoting executive function.

METHODS

Forty-six young men were recruited (mean age: 20.65 years) and assigned randomly to aerobic exercise (n = 15), cognitive training (n = 15), or dual-task (n = 16) groups. Executive functions were assessed before, immediately after, and 30 min after intervention using Go/No-go, 2-back, and More-Odd-Shifting tests.

RESULTS

Working memory function improved after all three interventions (significant Time effect, F(2,86) = 7.05, p = 0.001). Performance on the 2-back test was significantly better immediately after dual-task intervention (p = 0.038) and the response time was shorter (p = 0.023). Performance on the More-Odd-Shifting test improved over time (significant Time effect, F(2,86) = 30.698, p = 0.01), both immediately after the dual-task intervention (p = 0.015), and 30 min later (p = 0.001). Shifting-test performance was also better immediately after (p = 0.005) and 30 min after (p < 0.001) aerobic exercise.

CONCLUSION

Executive function was enhanced by single-task (acute aerobic exercise or cognitive training) and dual-task interventions. The effect continued for 30 min after both the single-task aerobic exercise and the dual-task intervention. For short-term intervention, the dual-task was not more effective than either of the single tasks.

Does Multicomponent Training Improve Cognitive Function in Older Adults Without Cognitive Impairment? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

OBJECTIVES

To carry out a systematic review and meta-analysis to verify the effects of multicomponent training on the cognitive function of older adults without cognitive impairment.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

Adults aged 60 years and older.

METHODS

The searches were accomplished through MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, SCOPUS, LILACS, and Google Scholar databases. We performed the searches up to November 18, 2022. The study included only randomized controlled trials and older adults without any cognitive impairment (dementia, Alzheimer's, mild cognitive impairment, neurologic diseases). Risk of Bias 2 tool and PEDro scale was performed.

RESULTS

Ten randomized controlled trials were included in the systematic review, of which 6 (involving 166 participants) were compiled in the meta-analysis of random effects models. The Mini-Mental State Examination and Montreal Cognitive Assessment were used to assess global cognitive function. The Trail-Making Test (TMT) (A and B domains) was performed by 4 studies. Compared with the control group, multicomponent training increases the global cognitive function (standardized mean difference = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.34-0.81, I² = 11%; P < .001). Regarding TMT-A and TMT-B, multicomponent training decreases the time performed in the tests (TMT-A: mean difference = -6.70, 95% CI: -10.19 to -3.21; I² = 51%; P = .0002) (TMT-B: mean difference = -8.80, 95% CI: -17.59 to -0.01; I² = 69%; P = .05). The PEDro scale for the studies in our review ranged from 7 to 8 (mean = 7.4 ± 0.5), meaning good methodologic quality, and most studies were judged as at least low in terms of risk of bias.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

Multicomponent training improves cognitive function in older adults without cognitive impairment. Therefore, a possible protective effect of multicomponent training for cognitive function in older adults is suggested.

Comparison of Dual Task Training Versus Aerobics Training in Improving Cognition in Healthy Elderly Population

Background Cognitive impairments, particularly in old age, are pervasive and occur because of both normal and pathological senescence. Engaging in some routine bodily activities combined with activities that stimulate cognitive skills appears beneficial in increasing cognitive resistance to degenerative processes of the brain. Dual-task training (DTT) by combining motor and cognitive activities causes improvement, particularly in executive function, working memory and divided attention, whereas aerobic exercise training (AET) plays an important role in improving executive function, attention, and memory. In this study, we attempted to compare the efficiency of DTT versus AT in improving cognitive function in healthy older individuals. Methods Forty healthy older adults between 60 and 70 years of age who met the inclusion criteria participated in this study. They were randomly split into two groups A and B. Group A (64.05±3.17 years) received DTT three times a week, whereas group B (65.50±3.44 years) received AT five times a week. Both training programs were conducted for six weeks. Cognitive function was assessed using Trail Making Test (TMT)-A, TMT-B, and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). The assessment was done at baseline (first day of intervention), on completion of the third week, and again at the end of the training session i.e., the sixth week. The Chi-square test and the student's paired and unpaired t-tests were used for statistical analysis with a level of significance P<0.05. Discussion and result Betterment in cognitive functions was evident after six weeks of DTT and AET. Post-intervention improvements were noted in TMT-A, TMT-B, and MoCA scores in both groups A and B (P>0.0001). However, the difference between the pre and post-intervention scores was greater for group A compared to group B indicative of remarkable improvements in cognitive function in group A. Conclusion The current study demonstrated that both DTT and AET are notably efficient in improving cognitive function in a healthy elderly population. However, in comparison, DTT was significantly more effective than AET (P<0.05). This shows that six weeks of DTT is effective in improving cognitive function and slowing age-associated cognitive decline in older adults.