Cognitive benefits of the attentional vs exergame training in older adults

Abstract

Objective: The present study aimed at comparing the effectiveness of an Attentional Computerized Cognitive Training and a commercial Exergame Training. Methods: Eighty-four healthy older adults took part in the study. They were randomly assigned to one of the following conditions: Attentional Computerized Cognitive Training (ATT-CCT), Exergame Training (EXERG-T), or passive Control Group (CG). Participants assigned to the experimental groups underwent 8 laboratory-based sessions—lasting approximately 45 min each—of the respective training activity. A battery of cognitive tests was assessed before, after, and 3 months following the intervention phase. Results: The results showed that just the ATT-CCT improved participants’ performance, specifically within attention, processing speed, verbal learning and memory. While both intervention groups revealed improved memory self-perception and decreased self-reported absent-mindedness, only the benefits following the ATT-CCT proved to be stable over time. Conclusions: The results suggested that our ATT-CCT may be an effective tool for enhancing cognitive abilities in older healthy adults.