A comparison of the impact of physical exercise, cognitive training and combined intervention on spontaneous walking speed in older adults.

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous walking speed (SWS) is one of the most important indicators of health in older adults. Studies have shown benefits of physical trainings on SWS in older adults but the impact of cognitive training and multidomain interventions remains understudied.

AIMS: This original study aimed at comparing the impact of aerobic/resistance exercise, computerized cognitive training and the combination of both interventions compared with active control conditions on SWS in healthy older adults.

METHODS: Ninety community-dwelling older adults were randomly assigned to four different combinations composed of two active interventions: physical aerobic/resistance and cognitive dual-task trainings, and two active control conditions: stretching exercises and computer lessons. The four combinations were the following: (1) aerobic/resistance and cognitive dual task (n = 28), (2) aerobic/resistance and computer lessons (n = 21), (3) stretching exercises and cognitive dual task and (n = 23), (4) stretching exercises and computer lessons (n = 18). Training sessions were held three times/week for three months. SWS for 30 s was assessed before and after the intervention.

RESULTS: Repeated-measures ANOVA showed a main effect of time and a significant three-way interaction suggesting differential improvement in SWS according to training combinations. A clinical meaningful improvement in SWS was observed in groups 1-3 (0.08-0.14 m/s; effect sizes: small to moderate) but not in the active control group 4.

DISCUSSION: Results of this study suggest that aerobic/resistance exercise and computerized dual-task training are two non-pharmacological interventions by which SWS, a functional vital sign, can be clinically improved in older adults.

CONCLUSION: This original study pointed out different tools to prevent functional decline in older people.