Imagine your brain as a muscle that can strengthen not only your mental abilities, but also your physical mobility. A recent study investigated whether computerized cognitive training (CCT) could enhance both cognition and mobility in healthy older adults. The researchers recruited non-demented participants aged 60 and above and randomly assigned them to either a CCT program or a control group. The results showed that the CCT group demonstrated improved gait speed during dual-task walking, as well as enhanced executive function. Additionally, the CCT group exhibited shorter foot reaction times and increased neural activation in sensorimotor areas after the intervention. These findings suggest that CCT may lead to neural adaptations that contribute to better mobility and cognitive function in older adults.

This study opens up exciting possibilities for using brain training as a potential tool for maintaining physical ability and cognitive health as we age. By providing targeted cognitive exercises, we could potentially strengthen the neural circuits associated with mobility and executive functions. Let this research serve as a reminder of the plasticity of our brains and how we can harness their power to support our overall well-being. If you’re interested in learning more about the fascinating connections between brain training, mobility, and cognition, don’t miss out on exploring the full article!

A close inter-relationship between mobility and cognition is reported in older adults, with improvements in gait performance noticeable after cognitive remediation in frail individuals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of computerized cognitive training (CCT) on mobility in healthy, independently living older adults, and to determine whether CCT is associated with changes in neural activation for mobility-related brain processes. Using a randomized single-blind control design, sixty-three non-demented adults age 60 y and older (mean age = 67 y; 76% female, mean Montreal Cognitive Assessment [MoCA] score = 27) were recruited from a local Senior Activity Center. Participants were randomly assigned to either a 2-month CCT program (8 weeks, 3x/week, 40 min/session) or a wait-list control group. Primary outcome was self-selected gait speed during single- and dual-task walking. Secondary outcome was executive function on Trail Making Test (TMT), Part B. Neural activity was assessed via electroencephalography/event-related potentials (EEG/ERPs) targeting lower-limb performance. Results from a linear mixed effect model, adjusted for baseline MoCA score, age, gender, and study completion revealed that compared to controls, CCT improved gait speed during the dual-task (p = 0.008) but not during the single-task walking condition (p = 0.057). CCT also improved executive function (p = 0.024). Further, shorter foot reaction time responses (p = 0.019) were found with enhanced neural activation over sensorimotor areas, with shorter ERP latencies during the P2 component (p = 0.008) and enhanced motor responses (p = 0.009) also evident in the CCT group after the intervention. Overall, the electrophysiological findings suggest possible neural adaptations that could explain improvements in mobility and executive functions associated with CCT in healthy older adults.

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