Comparison of Three Motor-cognitive Training Programs

Summary

Understanding how to delay age-related physical and mental declines is an issue for aging research. It has been shown that isolated aerobic, coordination and cognitive training improve brain functions and cognitive performances. Moreover, the combination of them leads to greater effects. Different combination modalities are possible: training programs demanding cognitive resources within the activity performed in a natural environment like Nordic Walking (or Tai chi, Dance...); or as in a conceptually-grounded circuit training where training components are systematically combined and their intensity controlled. The aim of this study is to compare three training programs: a Nordic walking one (NW), and two conceptual grounded, circuits training (CT-c; CT-fit). CT-c implemented by dual-task (DT) exercises, while CT-fit characterized by cognitive charge embodied in the movements through the use of technology. An improvement in physical, motor, and cognitive functions is expected by all three groups. However, our primary hypothesis is that the CT-fit will impact executive functions more.

45 healthy independent living community dwellers participants aged 65 to 80 will be recruited. Participants will be included after a general medical examination (geriatric screening and cycle-ergometer maximal effort test). The main exclusion criteria are signs of cognitive impairment, (MMSE \<26/30), and physical impairments. Participants will be randomly divided into the 3 groups (NW, CT-c, CT-fit): The training program will last 8 weeks, 1 hour 3 times a week. Pre and post-tests will include cognitive assessment (MoCA; TMT; Stroop task, Happy Neuron™ working memory test, Rey Complex Figure copy task and dual-task capacities through the DT-OTMT); motor fitness assessment (Bipedal upright standing, Unipedal balance test, walking speed and size of the base of support, Timed Up \& Go, Chair sit and reach test and Four square stepping test) and physical assessment (10 m incremental shuttle walking test, maximal handgrip force, 30s chair rise stand).

Improving cognitive functions by adding new technology embodied in a systematically combined training (exergame), would result to be the best solution to optimize training for aging people.

Conditions

• Cognitive Decline

Interventions

OTHER

Technology-assisted circuit training

Circuit training assisted by Fitlight™ 3 times a week for one hour during 8 weeks

OTHER

Conventional circuit training

Conventional circuit training including single and dual task 3 times a week for one hour during 8 weeks

OTHER

Nordic walking

Classic nordic walking 3 times a week for one hour during 8 weeks

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Aix Marseille Université

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Jean-Jacques Temprado, Ph.D. · Aix Marseille Université

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

65 Years

Max Age

80 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2022-10-01

Primary Completion

2023-04-30

Completion

2023-04-30

Countries

• France

Study Locations