Cognitive Training Combined with Multicomponent Exercise Improves Biopsychosocial Outcomes in Healthy Older Adults: a Randomized Trial

Abstract To evaluate the effects of a 12-week combined cognitive and multicomponent physical exercise training program on global cognitive performance (primary outcome) and on biological (biochemical), psychological, and social secondary outcomes in healthy older adults. The study included healthy older adults aged 50–80 years, recruited from the community. The participants were randomized into four intervention arms: cognitive training and physical exercise group, cognitive training group, physical exercise group, and control group. We assessed the biopsychosocial aspects before and after 12 weeks of intervention. We analyzed 113 subjects. Participants from the cognitive training group showed an increase in global cognition (RI: 7.49, 95%CI: 1.03, 54.07, p < 0.05). We found an increase in the physical domain of quality of life in the cognitive training and physical exercise group (RI: 1.70, 95%CI: 1.03, 2.80, p < 0.05) and in the physical exercise group (RI: 2.19, 95%CI: 1.35, 3.57, p < 0.05). Participants in the three intervention arms showed an increase in the mental domain of quality of life. No effects were found with other variables analyzed. These findings suggest that non-pharmacological interventions may positively influence quality of life and cognitive performance in older adults.