COGNITIVE AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY TRAINING IMPROVES DUAL-TASK PERFORMANCES THROUGH SPECIFIC MECHANISMS

• Published in: Innovation in aging Vol. 2; no. suppl_1; p. 503
• Main Authors: Vrinceanu, T, Pothier, K, Intzandt, B, Lussier, M, Berryman, N, Li, K, Vu T. T., M, Bherer, L
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: US Oxford University Press 11.11.2018
• Subjects: Abstracts
• ISSN: 2399-5300; 2399-5300
• DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igy023.1869

Previous studies have shown that physical activity and cognitive training can help improve age-related deficits in attentional control. However, it is not yet clear how physical activity-induced improvements compare to cognitive training improvements in attentional control. To investigate this, 68 healthy sedentary participants over the age of 60 (M=68.58, SD=4.68) have been randomized to one of the three 12-week training programs (Aerobic (AE)=23, Motor Functions (MF)=24, Cognition(COG)=21). Before and after the training program, the participants underwent physical fitness tests, and cognitive evaluations (MMSE, and a computerized cognitive dual task – DT). The AE consisted of high intensity training on a recumbent bicycle. The MF consisted of full-body exercises focusing on coordination, balance, stretching, flexibility without raising the heart rate. The COG training consisted of Ipad exercises focusing on executive functions. Repeated measures ANOVAs revealed a decrease in DT cost only in the two physical activity groups (F(2,65)=3.88, P<.03), and no change in task set cost in either of the groups. On all components of the dual-task, reaction time (RT) was improved only in the MF and COG groups (F(2,65)=6.15, P<.00 for dual-mixed trials; F(2,65)=12.54, P<.00; for single-mixed trials; F(2,65)=14.00, P<.00 for single-pure trials), with COG having the highest improvement in all cases. Although the cognitive training improved overall RT the most, the current results suggest that physical activity training might have a superior benefit on task-coordination ability.