120 min/week of neuromotor multicomponent training are enough to improve executive function and functional fitness in older women

Abstract

PURPOSE\nThe study aimed at comparing the effects of a neuromotor multicomponent training program (MCTP) on executive function, functional fitness, blood pressure, body composition and health-related quality of life (HRQOL), compared with a concurrent strength and endurance exercise training program (CONTROL-EXE) and a cognitive training program (CONTROL-COG).\n\n\nMETHODS\n56 older women (73\u202f±\u202f6\u202fyears) completed the 30-weeks intervention. The three groups attended two 60-min sessions per week and they were assessed before and after the intervention.\n\n\nRESULTS\nMCTP showed a moderate improvement in Stroop C condition (28\u202f±\u202f7 vs 32\u202f±\u202f8 correct items; p\u202f=\u202f0.001; d\u202f=\u202f0.53) and Stroop interference score (-7.4\u202f±\u202f7.3 vs -3.7\u202f±\u202f6.1; p\u202f=\u202f0.035; d\u202f=\u202f0.55), while no changes were observed among control groups. MCTP showed a small to moderate improvement in Timed Up and Go test (TUGT) (5.85\u202f±\u202f0.58 vs 5.46\u202f±\u202f0.56\u202fs; p\u202f<\u202f0.001; d\u202f=\u202f0.71) and Chair-Stand test (CST) (18\u202f±\u202f4 vs 19\u202f±\u202f4 repetitions; p\u202f<\u202f0.001; d\u202f=\u202f0.47); while CONTROL-EXE only improved moderately at TUGT (7.02\u202f±\u202f1.1 vs 6.44\u202f±\u202f0.91\u202fs; p\u202f=\u202f0.005; d\u202f=\u202f0.59) and CONTROL-COG showed a moderate to small worsening in TUGT, CST and handgrip strength. Additionally, MCTP enhanced body composition and HRQOL. Lastly, both exercise groups showed lowered blood pressure values.\n\n\nCONCLUSIONS\nOur results suggest that a neuromotor MCTP could be considered as a highly suitable training to enhance executive function, functional fitness, HRQOL and body composition in older women.