## 1 Introduction  
The rising global aging population has led to increased cases of age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease [1]. These conditions not only impair memory and executive functions but also reduce overall cognitive performance, significantly affecting the quality of life of older adults [2]. Given the limitations of pharmacological treatments, which often have variable efficacy and side effects, non-pharmacolical interventions have gained traction as viable alternatives to support healthy cognitive aging [3]. Among these, physical and cognitive training programs have been shown to improve brain health and slow cognitive decline by promoting neuroplasticity [4].  
Cognitive training has long been recognized for its ability to engage higher-order cognitive functions such as memory, problem-solving, and attention. Interventions that focus on these skills have been shown to improve cognitive task performance and induce structural and functional brain changes in older adults [5]. Additionally, it is still unknown whether a combination of exercise and cognitive training (CECT) is more effective than either intervention alone. The present systematic review and meta-analysis were undertaken to evaluate the effect of CECT on working memory in the elderly [6]. In an fMRI study on dual-task performance, the training group showed increased dorsolateral prefrontal cortex activation, which was correlated with improved performance [7]. The CECT typically involves performing cognitive and motor tasks simultaneously, such as in dual-task walking, exergames, or video-based dancing [8].  
Recently, a realistic drumming-based cognitive and physical training was developed specifically to enhance memory in older adults. Virtual Drum Beating, the intervention used in this study, qualifies as an exergame and therefore represents a form of CECT [9]. This intervention, which integrates cognitive exergaming with a virtual drumming component, led to greater brain activation, particularly reflected in increased oxyhemoglobin levels in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) than conventional cognitive training [9]. This form of intervention has the potential to improve brain function by activating the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), areas responsible for cognitive control, decision-making, and emotional regulation in healthy adults [9]. Rhythm-based activities like drumming engage both hemispheres of the brain and stimulate regions involved in motor control, attention, and executive function. Specifically, drumming has been shown to increase connectivity between the motor cortex and prefrontal cortex, enhancing functional integration between cognitive and motor processes [10; 11; 12].  
Building on the existing evidence, this study aims to examine the impact of drumming-based cognitive and physical training on cognitive performance, emotional well-being, and brain activity in older adults. Specifically, this research will focus on changes in Minimal State Examination (MMSE) scores, task performance, and prefrontal cortex activity, using fNIRS to measure brain activation. We hypothesized that the experimental group receiving drumming-based training would show greater improvements in (1) cognitive performance (correct answers, success rate, etc.), (2) emotional well-being (depression scores), and (3) prefrontal cortical activity (HbO concentration) compared to the control group.