Aerobic exercise combined with varied duration cognitive training to improve age-related cognitive impairment: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

The study investigated the effectiveness of combining aerobic exercise (AE) with varying durations of cognitive training (CT) to improve age-related cognitive impairment. In a randomized controlled trial with 84 participants, they were assigned to one of four groups: 30-min AE + 30-min CT, 30-min AE + 15-min CT, AE-only, or a control group. Over 12 weeks, participants performed moderate-intensity aerobic exercise three times per week, with cognitive training durations of 30, 15, or 0 min. Significant improvements in cognitive function (MoCA scores) were observed in all exercise groups, with the 30-min AE + 30-min CT group showing the most pronounced benefits. This group also showed improvements in physical and mental quality of life (SF-36). No significant changes were noted in the MMSE or activities of daily living (Lawton-IADL scale). The findings suggest that combining aerobic exercise with 30-minute cognitive training improves cognitive function and quality of life in older adults.