Comparison of Three Motor-cognitive Training Programs
Condition: Cognitive Decline
MeSH terms: Cognitive Dysfunction
Study type: Interventional

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.
    


Intervention name(s): Technology-assisted circuit training; Conventional circuit training; Nordic walking
Intervention type(s): Other; Other; Other
Intervention description(s): Circuit training assisted by Fitlight™ 3 times a week for one hour during 8 weeks; Conventional circuit training including single and dual task 3 times a week for one hour during 8 weeks; Classic nordic walking 3 times a week for one hour during 8 weeks
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Single (Investigator)
Primary purpose: Prevention
Keywords: aging, cognition, cognitive-motor training, Nordic walking