Cognitive changes following multiple-modality exercise and mind-motor training in older adults with subjective cognitive complaints: The M4 study

PLoS One. 2018 Apr 26;13(4):e0196356. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0196356. eCollection 2018.

Abstract

Background: We investigated the effects of multiple-modality exercise with additional mind-motor training on cognition in community-dwelling older adults with subjective cognitive complaints.

Methods: Participants (n = 127, mean age 67.5 [7.3] years, 71% women) were randomized to receive 45 minutes of multiple-modality exercise with additional 15 minutes of either mind-motor training (M4, n = 63) or control (balance, range of motion and breathing exercises [M2, n = 64]). In total, both groups exercised 60 minutes/day, 3 days/week, for 24 weeks. Standardized global cognitive functioning (GCF), concentration, reasoning, planning, and memory were assessed at 24 weeks and after a 28-week no-contact follow-up.

Results: There were no significant differences in the study primary outcomes. The M4 group, however, showed trends for greater improvements in GCF and memory (both, P = .07) compared to the M2 group at 24 weeks. Significant differences between group in GCF (P = .03) and memory (P = .02) were observed after the 28-week no-contact follow-up favouring the M4 group.

Discussion: Additional mind-motor training did not impart immediate greater benefits to cognition among the study participants.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Cognition Disorders / therapy*
  • Cognition*
  • Exercise Therapy / methods*
  • Exercise*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Independent Living
  • Male
  • Memory
  • Middle Aged
  • Motor Skills*
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Risk Factors
  • Sample Size

Grants and funding

This work was supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (RJP; grant number: MOP 130474), St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation (RJP; grant number: 048-1415) (http://www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/193.html). The other funding sources listed were studentships and fellowships awards to students: Mitacs Globalink Graduate Fellowship (NCBSS) http://www.mitacs.ca/en/programs/globalink/globalink-graduate-fellowship <http://www.mitacs.ca/en/programs/globalink/globalink-graduate-fellowship>, and Fellowship in the Care of the Elderly Research, a training award through the Aging, Rehabilitation, and Geriatric Care Research Centre of the Lawson Health Research Institute in partnership with the St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation (MAG) https://www.sjhcfoundation.org/ <https://www.sjhcfoundation.org/>. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.