Effects of simultaneous aerobic and cognitive training on executive functions, cardiovascular fitness and functional abilities in older adults with mild cognitive impairment

People with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) experience cognitive decline and reduction in their motor capacities. Several programs have used physical or cognitive stimulation with encouraging results for the cognitive performances; however, none have studied both together. The goal of this study is to compare the benefits of simultaneous training with the results of single cognitive and physical training on executive, cardiorespiratory and walking measures in order to assess a potential sur-additive effect. Sixty-nine older adults diagnosed with MCI were randomized to simultaneous cognitive and physical training (PCT), physical training only (PT), cognitive training only (CT) or a no-intervention control group (C). Training was provided through 24 1-h sessions. Participants completed a battery of neuropsychological tests that targeted executive functions both before and after training sessions. They also underwent the Rockport test to measure cardiorespiratory fitness, along with a battery of walking tests. The tests were repeated six months after the training programs had ended to assess long-term effects. A repeated measure ANOVA and planned comparisons revealed significant improvements in executive control and walking capacities in the three training programs. In particular, the PCT groups showed significant improvements in a larger number of outcomes: 8 tests showed increased gains in the PCT group compared with 2 in the PT group and 2 in the CT group. It is more advantageous to provide cognitive and physical activity training simultaneously than in isolation. Gains in cognitive and motor domains could allow a better adaption to situations that require the recruitment of multiple resources.