Effects of Computerized Cognitive Training on Physical Mobility in Community-Dwelling Older Adults With Cardiovascular Disease: A Pilot Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 105-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Blackwood ◽  
Shweta Gore
Author(s):  
J. Blackwood ◽  
T. Houston

Background: In older adults declines in gait speed have been identified as predictors of functional decline and have been found in those with cognitive dysfunction. Cognitive training interventions that emphasize addressing executive function (EF) have resulted in a transfer effect from training cognitive processes into improved function. However research examining the effects of an EF specific computerized cognitive training (CCT) program on gait speed (GS) is limited. Objectives: To compare the effects of a six week EF specific CCT program on GS in community dwelling older adults using a pretest/posttest experimental design with subgroup comparisons based on a cutoff GS of 1.0m/s. Setting: Home based Participants: Forty independent living older adults (>65 years) without diagnosed cognitive impairment participated in either the intervention or control groups. Intervention: A six week long progressively challenging EF focused CCT program was performed at home. Measurements: Demographic variables, cognitive function (Trail-Making Test Part B) and GS were measured at baseline at week 7. Between group comparisons were completed for the whole sample initially with subgroup comparisons performed based on participants’ initial GS (Slow walkers: GS<1.0m/s; Fast Walkers: GS>1.0m/s). Results: No differences in GS were found for the whole population, but subgroup analyses restricted to slow walkers demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in GS after 6 weeks of CCT (µ =0.33 m/s, p = 0.03). Other outcomes measures were not statistically different at posttest. Conclusions: Older adults who walk at speeds <1.0m/s may benefit from a progressively challenging CCT program when self-administered in the home.


2014 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 105-110 ◽  
Author(s):  
Moon Fai Chan ◽  
Katherine S.P. Leong ◽  
Boon Ling Heng ◽  
Blessy Koottappal Mathew ◽  
Sher Banu A.L. Khan ◽  
...  

2018 ◽  
Vol 43 (4) ◽  
pp. 315-333 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Russell ◽  
Mia R. Oberlink ◽  
Nicole Onorato ◽  
Jodi L. Feinberg ◽  
Kathryn H. Bowles ◽  
...  

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S55-S56
Author(s):  
Lisanne F ten Brinke ◽  
John R Best ◽  
Joey L Chan ◽  
Cheyenne Ghag ◽  
Kirk I Erickson ◽  
...  

Abstract Given the world’s aging population, it is important to identify strategies that promote healthy cognitive aging. Computerized cognitive training (CCT) may be a promising method to combat cognitive decline in older adults. Moreover, physical exercise immediately prior to CCT might provide additional cognitive benefits. We conducted a randomized controlled trial to examine the effect of a CCT intervention, alone or preceded by physical exercise, on memory and executive functions in older adults. 124 community-dwelling older adults aged 65-85 years were randomly assigned to either 8-weeks of: 1) 3x/week group-based CCT plus 3x/week CCT sessions at home; 2) 3x/week group-based CCT combined with a 15-minute brisk walk (Ex-CCT) plus 3x/week Ex-CCT sessions at home; or 3)3x/week group-based sham exercise and education sessions (CON). At baseline and 8-weeks standard neuropsychological tests of verbal memory and learning and executive functions were administered, including the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT), Stroop test, Flanker test, Trail Making Tests (TMT B-A), and Dimensional Change Card Sort (DCCS) Test. At trial completion, there were no differences in RAVLT performance. Compared with CON, FBT and Ex-FBT participants significantly improved performance on the Stroop test (p = .001 and p = .023, respectively). Additionally, those randomized to Ex-CCT improved performance on the Flanker test (p = .002), TMT B-A (p = .047), and the DCCS Test (p = .023) compared with BAT. These findings suggest that an 8-week CCT program could benefit executive functions, and that implementing exercise immediately prior to CCT could provide broader benefits.


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