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Effects of Exergame and Gross Motor-Cognitive Training in Older Adults: An RCT

NCT07701317 · Status: COMPLETED · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 108

Last updated 2026-07-14

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

Background: Aging leads to a progressive decline in gross-motor skills and executive functions, significantly increasing fall risks. While exergaming and motor-cognitive training are effective countermeasures, literature lacks direct comparisons and data on long-term retention.

Purpose:This study compares the effects of an exergaming intervention against a structured gross motor-cognitive training program in older adults, with both protocols lasting 6 weeks. It evaluates the short- and medium-term (20-week follow-up) maintenance of physical and cognitive benefits, while introducing a novel composite gross-motor index.

Methods \& Question: The study addresses which intervention is more effective at improving gross-motor coordination and executive functions, and whether these adaptations persist over time.

Conditions

  • Active Aging Individuals Aged 60 and Over

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Gross motor-cognitive training

The protocol begins with a 10-minute warm-up focused on mobility. The central phase consists of 5 multi-stage exercises targeting gross-motor coordination and dual-tasking. In Exercise 1, pairs perform rhythmic movements to music (high knees, stepping) for 5 repetitions before passing a ball, repeated twice per song with a 2-3 min rest. Exercise 2 involves walking along a wall and tapping colored targets on cue (3 sets of 10 reps, performed twice, 40s rest). In Exercise 3, participants navigate a course with obstacles, an agility ladder, and a backward-counting slalom, ending with a target throw (4 rounds, 2 sets). Exercise 4 targets partner single-leg balance, holding a stance or tapping feet for 10s/10 reps (3 sets, performed twice, 30s rest). Exercise 5 enhances reaction time via partner ball-passing and grabbing floor markers based on semantic/arithmetic cues (10 reps, 2 blocks per set, 30s rest). Finally, a 10-minute cool-down promotes recovery through stretching and deep breathin

BEHAVIORAL

allenamento tramite Exergame

The protocol begins with a 10-minute warm-up focused on mobility.The central phase features 5 exergaming exercises for coordination and dual-tasking. Ex 1: participants step on floor colors matching wall projections to music (repeated twice, 2-min rest). Ex 2: pairs mimic an immersive Minecraft video pathway, ending with a color-sequencing race (6 times, 2-min rest). Ex 3: pairs sum projected dice, navigate an obstacle/ladder course with a ball, shoot into a parity-coded basket, and complete a multi-task return loop (4 rounds, 2 sets, 2-min rest). Ex 4: pairs hold projected poses for 10s, then race to grab vowel/consonant-coded markers (3 sets, 2-min rest). Ex 5: participants tap a 4-quadrant numerical screen in chronological order, combined with timed ball-transfers (3 progressive speed sets). A 10-min cool-down follows with torso stretches, lunges, and deep breathing

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • University of Palermo

    lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
60 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2025-01-22
Primary Completion
2026-01-26
Completion
2026-05-31

Countries

  • Italy

Study Locations

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07701317 on ClinicalTrials.gov