Author(s): RAIMUNDO, A., PEREIRA, C., BRAVO, J., CARVALHO, J., ROSADO, H., Institution: UNIVERSITY OF ÉVORA, Country: PORTUGAL, Abstract-ID: 355

INTRODUCTION:
Cognitive and physical inter-individual variability at baseline should be taken into account for tailored interventions. In addition, effective interventions are needed to promote the functioning level in community dwellings. The psychomotor intervention and whole-body vibration (WBV), promoting neurocognitive and sensorimotor stimulation, and physiological changes, respectively, can positively affect cognitive and physical functions. PURPOSE: To analyze the effects of a 12-week interactive cognitive-motor program on cognitive and physical functions according to baseline functioning in community-dwelling older people.
METHODS:
Nineteen older adults (74.5±5.2 years old) underwent a combined program (psychomotor intervention + WBV). Cognitive function assessments included the Trail Making Test (Parts A&B) and the d2 Test of Attention to assess processing speed (n) and attention (n), respectively. Physical function assessments included the Timed Up and Go test, Fullerton Advanced Balance scale, and 30-s chair stand test to assess mobility (s), balance (points), and lower-body strength (n), respectively. A composite was computed including the sum of all cognitive and physical function standardized variables. A lower- (LFG) and higher-functioning (HFG) groups were created according to the participants’ baseline functioning. The Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney tests were used.
RESULTS:
At post-intervention, within-group improvements were found only within LFG in the composite variable (-11.7±3.4 vs. -9.9±3.9, p=0.021, r=0.54). Between-group differences were also observed at post-intervention (LFG: -9.9±3.9 vs. HFG: -2.22±4.1, p=0.002, r=0.70). The effect size was large within and between groups.
CONCLUSION:
Our findings suggested that the combined program was effective, particularly within LFG, by improving cognitive and physical functions. Despite HFG continuing to present better results, the LFG presented a higher learning potential, evidencing that neuroplasticity can be promoted even in older adults with lower functioning. Funding: This study was granted by the ESACA Project (Grant ALT20-03-0145-FEDER-000007) and by FCT (SFRH/BD/147398/2019).