Influence of Sequential vs. Simultaneous Dual-Task Exercise Training on Cognitive Function in Older Adults

Abstract

Emerging research indicates that exercise combined with cognitive training may improve cognitive function in older adults. Typically these programs have incorporated sequential training, where exercise and cognitive training are undertaken separately. However, simultaneous or dual-task training, where cognitive and/or motor training are performed simultaneously with exercise, may offer greater benefits. This review summary provides an overview of the effects of combined simultaneous vs. sequential training on cognitive function in older adults. Based on the available evidence, there are inconsistent findings with regard to the cognitive benefits of sequential training in comparison to cognitive or exercise training alone. In contrast, simultaneous training interventions, particularly multimodal exercise programs in combination with secondary tasks regulated by sensory cues, have significantly improved cognition in both healthy older and clinical populations. However, further research is needed to determine the optimal characteristics of a successful simultaneous training program for optimizing cognitive function in older people.

Effect of a dual-task exercise to motor and memory function for Japanese older individuals in depopulated rural districts: preliminary intervention research from 2016 to 2019

“…Our preliminary findings lead us to believe that a dual-task exercise program can be potentially effective to the enhancement of motor and memory function for Japanese older persons in depopulated rural districts, in accordance with an improvement of memory scores following dual-task training (Suzuki et al, 2013;Tait et al, 2017). Whether these results generalize to enhancements for subjects in other areas remains unclear but warrants examination involving a randomized controlled trial.…”

“…In Japan, the first country to experience a super-aging society, the development of independent rehabilitative care for older individuals in depopulated rural areas is an indispensable challenge to decrease a high incidence of weak psychosomatic state to need care. Interestingly, some studies provide evidence that dual-task training has been shown to induce improvements in targeted motor and cognitive function (Suzuki et al, 2013;Tait et al, 2017). However, these findings remain for older individuals leaving in relatively urban neighborhoods.…”

Effects of low- and high-intensity physical exercise on physical and cognitive function in older persons with dementia: a randomized controlled trial

“…Diversity in symptoms and disease etiology may require diverse interventions, and exercise could be one option for PwD in addition to cognitive training, social stimulation, and sensory enrichment, preferably as part of a multicomponent program [91,92]. Recent conceptual models suggest that it may be necessary to perform cognitive and motor tasks in combination and concurrently to increase the efficacy of exercise interventions [93]. The optimal duration for such a multicomponent program is yet to be determined by future studies.…”

Effects of an In-home Multicomponent Exergame Training on Physical Functions, Cognition, and Brain Volume of Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Considering the significant impact of physical activity and cognitive training on several health aspects, it has been assumed that a combination of physical exercise with cognitive stimulation poses a promising training approach with superior benefits due to several reasons (39)(40)(41)(42)(43)(44). First, most daily life activities require the simultaneous performance of cognitive and physical functions (45).…”