Effect of physio-cognitive dual-task training on cognition in pre-ageing and older adults with neurocognitive disorders: A meta-analysis and meta-regression of randomized controlled trial

Declines in cognitive performance, such as those seen in neurocognitive disorders (NCDs) are often associated with ageing. Both physical activity and cognitive training are common interventional strategies that can mitigate the decline in cognitive and physical performance. This review aims to (1) to evaluate the effects of Physio-Cognitive Dual-task Training (PCDT) intervention on cognition, physical performance, activities of daily living (ADL) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in pre-ageing and older adults with neurocognitive disorders, (2) explore the effects of covariates on intervention outcomes. A systematic search was conducted in eight databases. Cochrane's Risk of Bias Tool version 1 and GRADE criteria were used to assess risk of bias and certainty of evidence, respectively. Meta-analysis and meta-regression analyses were conducted using R software. Twenty-six randomized controlled trials involving 1,949 pre-ageing and older adults with NCDs were included in the meta-analysis. PCDT interventions had small-to-medium effect size on all cognition outcomes (g = 0.40-0.52) and instrumental ADL (g == 0.42), and a large effect size on HRQoL (g = 0.72). The quality of evidence was rated moderate to low for the outcome measures in pre-ageing and older adults with NCDs. These findings highlight the importance of PCDT interventions in preventing and slowing down cognitive impairment in pre-ageing and older adults. Registration: PROSPERO Number (CRD42020213962).