Citation

Tait JL, Duckham RL, Milte CM, Main LC, Daly RM. Front. Aging Neurosci. 2017; 9: e368.

Affiliation

Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Frontiers Research Foundation)

DOI

10.3389/fnagi.2017.00368

PMID

29163146

PMCID

PMC5681915

Abstract

Emerging research indicates that exercise combined with cognitive training may improve cognitive function in older adults. Typically these programs have incorporated sequential training, where exercise and cognitive training are undertaken separately. However, simultaneous or dual-task training, where cognitive and/or motor training are performed simultaneously with exercise, may offer greater benefits. This review summary provides an overview of the effects of combined simultaneous vs. sequential training on cognitive function in older adults. Based on the available evidence, there are inconsistent findings with regard to the cognitive benefits of sequential training in comparison to cognitive or exercise training alone. In contrast, simultaneous training interventions, particularly multimodal exercise programs in combination with secondary tasks regulated by sensory cues, have significantly improved cognition in both healthy older and clinical populations. However, further research is needed to determine the optimal characteristics of a successful simultaneous training program for optimizing cognitive function in older people.

Language: en

Keywords

aging; cognition; dual-task training; older adults; physical activity