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The Effects of Computerized Cognitive Training With and Without Physical Exercise on Cognitive Function in Older Adults: An 8-Week Randomized Controlled Trial.
- Source :
-
The journals of gerontology. Series A, Biological sciences and medical sciences [J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci] 2020 Mar 09; Vol. 75 (4), pp. 755-763. - Publication Year :
- 2020
-
Abstract
- Background: Aging is characterized by cognitive changes in specific domains, such as declines in memory and executive functions. Given the world's aging population, it is important to identify and evaluate strategies that promote healthy cognitive aging. Besides exercise, computerized cognitive training (CCT) is a promising approach to promote cognitive function. Moreover, a single bout of exercise immediately prior to CCT may provide additional cognitive benefits.<br />Methods: An 8-week proof-of-concept randomized controlled trial to investigate the effect of a commercial CCT intervention, alone and when preceded by exercise, on cognitive function. Participants (124; aged 65-85 years) performed 8 weeks of: (i) Group-based CCT (Fit Brains) 3×/week for 1 hour plus 3×/week home-based training; (ii) Group-based CCT preceded by exercise (Ex-CCT) 3×/week for 1 hour plus 3×/week home-based training (exercise+CCT); or (iii) Group-based balanced and toned (BAT) classes 3×/week for 1 hour (control). Memory was assessed by the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test. Executive functions were assessed using the: (i) Stroop Test, (ii) Trail Making Tests (TMT), (iii) Flanker Test, and (iv) Dimensional Change Card Sort Test (DCCS).<br />Results: At trial completion, there were no significant between-group differences in memory (p > .05). However, compared with BAT, CCT, and Ex-CCT significantly improved Stroop performance (-10.72, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -16.53, -4.91; -7.95, 95% CI: -13.77, -2.13, respectively). Moreover, Ex-CCT significantly improved the performance on TMT (-13.65, 95% CI: -26.09, -1.22), the Flanker Test (6.72, 95% CI: 2.55, 10.88), and the DCCS Test (6.75, 95% CI: 0.99, 12.50).<br />Conclusion: An 8-week CCT program may promote executive functions in older adults and combining it with a bout of exercise may provide broader benefits.<br /> (© The Author(s) 2019. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Gerontological Society of America. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)
- Subjects :
- Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Aging physiology
Cognitive Aging psychology
Cognitive Dysfunction prevention & control
Cognitive Dysfunction psychology
Cognitive Dysfunction therapy
Executive Function
Female
Healthy Aging physiology
Healthy Aging psychology
Humans
Learning
Male
Memory
Proof of Concept Study
Single-Blind Method
Software
Aging psychology
Cognition
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy methods
Exercise psychology
Therapy, Computer-Assisted methods
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1758-535X
- Volume :
- 75
- Issue :
- 4
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- The journals of gerontology. Series A, Biological sciences and medical sciences
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 31054254
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1093/gerona/glz115