Aging & Society: Eighth Interdisciplinary Conference

Abstract

The association between cognition and gait was widely shown. Evidence has shown that cognitive training can improve gait and via-a-versa. However, whether a combined training can improve both gait and cognition more than a specific training is yet to be explored This study compares the effect of “thinking in motion” intervention versus a control group computer-based cognitive training “cognifit” on cognitive function and gait. Using a randomized single-blind control design, forty-eight sedentary older adults recruited for the study (mean age: 81.2 SD-2.2, MoCA- 16.2 SD-3.1) were randomly assigned to an eight-week, three times per week “thinking in motion” intervention (n=28) or “cognifit” training (n=19). Primary outcome was gait speed under single and dual-task conditions and cognitive function. Of forty-eight participants, two did not complete the study (one in each group). Both groups improve in gait and cognition. No significant differences on age, sex, cognitive function, use of walking aids, and gait speed were found between groups at baseline. After the eight-week intervention the group was improved significantly higher in cadence (mean difference intervention – 26.5, SD-2.8, control- 16.72 SD-1.9, p=0.0013) only during single task conditions and cognitive performance as measured by cognifit evaluation (mean difference intervention 26.39, control-17.92 p=0.03). Sub-group analysis revealed that these differences have even more magnitude among those with walking aids in the intervention group compared to the control group. “Thinking in motion” is a promising venue to improve gait and cognition.