Abstract
BACKGROUND: Studies suggest that cognitive training and physical exercise can independently help improve cognition in older adults. This randomized clinical trial (COVEPIC study) aimed to compare the effects of 6 months of home-based physical exercise alone and combined with cognitive training on the cognition of older adults. METHODS: 127 adults (50 years and older) were randomly assigned to one of the two following intervention arms (1:1): 1/ home-based physical exercise alone or 2/ combined home-based physical exercise and cognitive training. Participants completed videoconference neuropsychological assessments targeting episodic and working memory, processing speed and executive functions, prior to the intervention (T0), mid-intervention (T1) (3 months), and post-intervention (T2) (6 months). Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04635462). RESULTS: Participation in the combined intervention showed a larger improvement than the exercise alone group on the MoCA from T0 to T1, and a change in executive functions which was not observed in the physical exercise only group. Effects of exercise dose were also observed, as participants who went through a higher dose of exercise showed larger improvement in episodic and working memory. DISCUSSION: Results suggest that a home-based intervention combining cognitive and physical training can help improve cognition in older adults.