The Effects of Eight-Week Traditional Aerobic Exercise and Exergaming on Dual-Task Performance and Prefrontal Cortex Activation in Older Adults
Cheng-Liang Chang, Wen-Yi Chen, Chien-Yu Pan, Yu-Ting Tseng, Fu-Chen Chen, Chia-Liang TsaiPurpose:
This study examined the effects of an eight-week exergaming (EG) program compared with traditional aerobic exercise on dual-task performance and prefrontal hemodynamics in middle-aged and older adults.
Methods:
Thirty-three older adults (21 females, 12 males; mean age = 64.2 ± 5.5 years) were randomly assigned to either an EG group (n = 16) or an aerobic exercise (AE) group (n = 17). Both groups completed supervised moderate-intensity training thrice per week for 30 minutes per session. Before and after the intervention, the participants performed a Stroop task under single-task, slow dual-task, and fast dual-task conditions. Behavioral accuracy was recorded, and prefrontal oxygenated, deoxygenated, and total hemoglobin concentrations were analyzed utilizing functional near-infrared spectroscopy. Physical fitness measures included estimated VO ₂ max, chair stand, arm curl, and timed up-and-go performance.
Results:
Both interventions substantially enhanced VO₂max (
Conclusions:
Both training modalities improved physical fitness and task performance. EG provided additional benefits under the most demanding dual-task condition and was associated with more efficient prefrontal activation.