Author(s): ALBERTON, C., BERNÍ, F., MIRANDA, C., OLIVEIRA, D., SCHAUN, G., KANITZ, A., Institution: FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF PELOTAS, Country: BRAZIL, Abstract-ID: 2230

INTRODUCTION:
While substantial evidence supports the benefits of home-based physical exercise for older adults, there remains a lack of data regarding the efficacy of home-based cognitive training, particularly through telehealth programs. This study aimed to compare the chronic effects of a remotely supervised physical training intervention alone or combined with a cognitive training program in older adults at increased risk of clinical-functional vulnerability (CFV).
METHODS:
A randomized clinical trial (NCT05309278; [1]) was conducted involving 26 sedentary older individuals classified as at increased risk of CFV based on their CFV Index score. Participants were randomly assigned to either an intervention (INT; physical training combined with cognitive training) or an active control (CON; physical training alone) group and underwent a 12-week remote supervised program. Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Digit Span Test (DST), and Verbal Fluency Test. Physical function was measured using the Time Up and Go (TUG) Test, with and without a Dual-task, and the 30-s Chair Stand Test. Data are presented as mean [95%CI] and compared using Generalized Estimated Equations (α=5%).
RESULTS:
Participants (mean age: 68.8 ± 6 y; 88% female) were randomized to INT (n=13) and CON (n=13) groups and included in an intention-to-treat analysis. Both the DST (p=0.03) and Verbal Fluency (p<0.01) scores increased after the intervention in the INT (7.5 [6.8-8.3]; 19.9 [15.6-24.2] animals, respectively) and CON (6.7 [6.0-7.4]; 18.6 [15.8-21.3] animals, respectively) groups, with no significant group x time interaction. Similar improvements were also observed post-intervention in the TUG (p=0.01; INT: 7.6 [6.7-8.4] s; CON: 8.5 [7.5-9.5] s), TUG with a Dual-task (p=0.02; INT: 9.8 [8.1-11.5] s; CON: 10.0 [8.5-11.5]), and 30-s Chair Stand (p<0.01; INT: 12.5 [10.5-14.5] repetitions; CON: 12.4 [10.0-14.7] repetitions) tests, again with no group x time interaction. MMSE scores remained similar post-training in both INT (25.9 [23.9-27.9]) and CON (27.4 [26.0-28.8]) groups.
CONCLUSION:
No superiority effect was observed in the INT group, as physical training alone or combined with cognitive training resulted in positive effects on cognitive and physical outcomes in the studied population. Thus, the cognitive training proposed herein did not seem sufficient to promote additional benefits in older adults at increased risk of CFV after the investigated period.
Funding: CAPES and CNPq, Brazil.
Reference:
1. Berní, FC, et al., Effects of a remotely supervised physical training program combined with cognitive training for older individuals at increased risk of clinical-functional vulnerability: study protocol for a randomized clinical trial. Trials, 2023. 24(1): 547.