Evaluation of cognitive and motor functions in older adults, after participating in Thinking in Motion intervention, based on EWMN: A randomized clinical trial.

Cognition and motor skills are interrelated throughout aging and often show simultaneous deterioration among older adults with cognitive decline. Co-dependent training has the potential to ameliorate both domains; however, its effect on the gait and cognition of older adults with cognitive decline has yet to be explored. The aim of this study is to compare the effects of the well-established cognitive computerized training program, CogniFit, with “Thinking in Motion (TIM),” a co-dependent intervention, among community-dwelling older adults with cognitive decline. Single-blind randomized control trial design. 47 older adults with cognitive decline randomly assigned to 8 weeks of thrice-weekly trainings of TIM or CogniFit. Pre and post intervention assessments included cognitive performance as a primary outcome, and gait performance as a secondary outcome. The cognitive total Z scores significantly improved from baseline to post-intervention for both groups. Similar results were demonstrated in Working memory, Divided attention and Processing speed. In Visual scanning, while there was no difference between the groups at baseline, there was a significant difference at post-intervention. TIM group improved more than CogniFit group. No changes in gait performance were observed in both groups. Limitations: Heterogeneous sample, motor effects examined only on gait, lack of a waiting list control group and difference between settings individual vs. group training.