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Objective: Increased intraindividual variability (IIV) of cognitive performance is a marker of cognitive decline in older adults. Whether computerized cognitive training (CCT) and aerobic exercise counteracts cognitive decline by reducing IIV is unknown. We investigated the effects of CCT with or without aerobic exercise on IIV in older adults. Methods: This was a secondary analysis of an 8-week randomized controlled trial. Older adults (aged 65–85 years) were randomized to CCT alone (n = 41), CCT with aerobic exercise (n = 41), or an active control group (n = 42). The CCT group trained using the Fit Brains® platform 3×/week for 1 hr (plus 3×/week of home-based training). The CCT with aerobic exercise group received 15 min of walking plus 45 min of Fit Brains® 3×/week (plus 3×/week of home-based training). The control group received sham exercise and cognitive training (3×/week for 1 hr). We computed reaction time IIV from the Dimensional Change Card Sort Test, Flanker Inhibitory Control and Attention Test (Flanker), and Pattern Comparison Processing Speed Test (PACPS). Results: Compared with the control group, IIV reduced in a processing speed task (PACPS) following CCT alone (mean difference [95% confidence interval]: −0.144 [−0.255 to −0.034], p < 0.01) and CCT with aerobic exercise (−0.113 [−0.225 to −0.001], p < 0.05). Attention (Flanker congruent) IIV was reduced only after CCT with aerobic exercise (−0.130 [−0.242 to −0.017], p < 0.05). Conclusions: A CCT program promoted cognitive health via reductions in IIV of cognitive performance and combining it with aerobic exercise may result in broader benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Slower walking is associated with changes in cortical volume and thickness. Computerized cognitive training (CCT) and exercise improve cortical volume and thickness and thus, may promote gait speed. Slowing of gait is predictive of Alzheimer's disease., Objective: To examine: 1) the effect of CCT, with or without physical exercise, on cortical volume and thickness and; 2) the association of changes in cortical volume and thickness with changes in gait speed., Methods: A subset of 124 adults ( n  = 53), aged 65-85 years, enrolled in an 8-week randomized controlled trial and completed T1-weighted MRI and 4-meter walk at baseline and 8 weeks. Participants were randomized to: 1) active control (BAT; n  = 19); 2) CCT ( n  = 17); or 3) CCT preceded by exercise (Ex-CCT; n  = 17). Change in cortical volume and thickness were assessed and compared across all groups using Freesurfer., Results: BAT versus CCT increased left rostral middle frontal gyrus volume ( p   = 0.027) and superior temporal gyrus thickness ( p  = 0.039). Ex-CCT versus CCT increased left cuneus thickness ( p  < 0.001) and right post central gyrus thickness ( p  = 0.005), and volume ( p  < 0.001). Ex-CCT versus BAT increased left ( p  = 0.001) and right ( p  = 0.020) superior parietal gyri thickness. There were no significant between-group differences in gait speed ( p  > 0.175). Increased left superior parietal volume ( p  = 0.036, r  = 0.340) and thickness ( p  = 0.002, r  = 0.348), right post central volume ( p  = .017, r  = 0.341) and thickness ( p  = 0.001, r  = 0.348), left banks of superior temporal sulcus thickness ( p  = 0.002, r  = 0.356), and left precuneus thickness ( p  < 0.001, r  = 0.346) were associated with increased gait speed., Conclusions: CCT with physical exercise, but not CCT alone, improves cortical volume and thickness in older adults. These changes may contribute to the maintenance of gait speed in aging., Competing Interests: The authors have no conflict of interest to report., (© 2024 – The authors. Published by IOS Press.)