Effects of physical and cognitive training on gait speed and cognition in older adults: A randomized controlled trial

Gait speed is a measure of health and functioning. Physical cognitive determinants gait are amenable to interventions, but best practices remain unclear. We investigated the effects 12-month physical training (PTCT) on speed, dual-task cost in executive functions (EFs) compared with (PT) (ISRCTN52388040). Community-dwelling older adults, who did not meet activity recommendations, were recruited (n = 314). PT included supervised walking/balance (once weekly) resistance/balance weekly), home exercises (2–3 times moderate aerobic 150 min/week bouts >10 min. PTCT computer (CT) EFs 15–20 min, 3–4 weekly. The primary outcome was speed. Secondary outcomes 6-min walking distance, EF (Stroop Trail Making B-A). trial completed by 93% participants (age 74.5 [SD3.8] years; 60% women). Mean adherence sessions 59%–72% 62%–77% PTCT. Home CT performed average 1.9 times/week. Weekly minutes spent activities 188 (median 169) 207 180) No significant interactions observed for (PTCT-PT, 0.02; 95%CI −0.03, 0.08), distance (−3.8; −16.9, 9.3) or (−0.22; −1.74, 1.30). Stroop improvement greater after than (−6.9; −13.0, −0.8). Complementing essential promotion For EF’s, complementing targeted provides additional benefit.