BackgroundNumerous daily activities require simultaneous application of motor and cognitive skills (dual-tasking). The execution of such tasks is especially difficult for the elderly and for people with (neuro-) degenerative disorders. Training of physical and cognitive abilities helps prevent or slow down the age-related decline of cognition. The aim of this review is to summarise and assess the role of combined physical-and-cognitive-training characteristics in improving cognitive performance and to propose an effective training scheme within the frame of a suitable experimental design.MethodsA systematic electronic literature search was conducted in selected databases. The following criteria were compulsory for inclusion in the study: 1. A (Randomized) Controlled Trial (RCT or CT) design; 2. Implementation of combined physical and cognitive training, either simultaneously (dual task) or subsequently - at least one hour per weekly over four weeks or more; 3. Cognitive outcomes as a study’s endpoint.ResultsTwenty articles met the inclusion criteria. It appears that either simultaneous or subsequently combined physical and cognitive training is more successful compared to single physical or single cognitive exercise. Training characteristics like length, frequency, duration, intensity and level of task difficulty seem to determine cognitive performance. However, the articles show that cognitive improvement seems to remain somewhat confined to trained cognitive functions rather than generalising to other cognitive or daily-living skills.ConclusionDue to methodological heterogeneity among studies, results need to be treated with caution. We critically discuss the role of training characteristics and propose a potentially effective training intervention within an appropriate experimental design.

Age simulation suits are used to demonstrate typical physical impairments of older age (e.g., strength and sensory losses) in younger individuals. The purpose of the current study was to describe gait performance in different age groups while wearing an age simulation suit. A total of 178 participants ages 18 to 85 (mean age = 50.4 years, SD = 16.4 years) were assigned according to their age decade to four groups with (ages 18 to 59) and two groups without (ages 60 to 85) the aging suit. Gait performance was measured with a gait analysis system (GAITRite) while walking at a self-chosen pace. Velocity, step length, step time, and base width were measured. Comparable performance was found for step length and velocity between ages 40 and 49/50 and 59 and ages 60 and 69/70 and 85 (p < 0.05). Results showed no corresponding relationship between step time and base width for all age groups. Simulation training helps younger individuals better understand older adults' perspectives, allowing for more positive interactions. [Res Gerontol Nurs. 2017; 10(5):227-233.].