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GAMES FOR HEALTH JOURNAL: Research, Development, and Clinical Applications

Volume 10, Number 5, 2021 Original Article


ª Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.
DOI: 10.1089/g4h.2021.0057

Effects of Exergame-Based Dual-Task Training on Executive


Function and Dual-Task Performance
in Community-Dwelling Older People:
A Randomized-Controlled Trial

Ray-Yau Wang, PhD,1,2 Yuan-Chen Huang, MSc,1–3 Jun-Hong Zhou, BSc,1,2


Shih-Jung Cheng, MD,1,2,4 and Yea-Ru Yang, PhD1,2,5,i
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Abstract

Objective: Aging is associated with decline in executive function that may lead to reduced dual-task perfor-
mance. Regular exercise has been recommended for promoting or maintaining mental and physical health in
older adults, yet only a fraction of older adults exercise regularly. Exergame training may have the potential to
enhance exercise adherence. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the effects of exergame-based
dual-task training on executive function and dual-task performance in community-dwelling older adults.
Materials and Methods: This was a single-blinded, randomized-controlled trial. Twenty community-dwelling
older adults were recruited and randomly assigned to one of two groups. All participants completed 36
trainings, including three 60-minute sessions/week over 12 weeks. Participants in the experimental group
received exergame-based dual-task training, while those in the control group received home-based multi-
component exercise training. Measures of executive function, dual-task performance, and community walking
ability were assessed before and after the intervention.
Results: Significant group · time interactions (P = 0.000–0.027) with large effects were found in all selected
outcome measures. Compared with the control group, the experimental group improved significantly in mea-
sures of general executive function (P = 0.014), inhibitory control (P = 0.037), cognitive dual-task performance
(P < 0.001), and community walking ability (P = 0.002). Enhanced general executive function was highly
correlated with either improved motor dual-task performance (r = 0.674) or improved cognitive dual-task
performance (r = -0.701).
Conclusion: These results suggested that exergame-based dual-task training improved both executive function
and dual-task performance in older people. These positive effects could be transferred to enhance community
walking ability. Clinical Trial Registration number: ACTRN 12617000095369.

Keywords: aging, cognitive function, community mobility, dual task, exercise intervention, exergame

Introduction Executive function is particularly affected by aging.3


Executive function is a higher level cognitive ability that

P opulation aging is widespread across the world. It is


one of the most significant social transformations of the
21st century. Aging leads to a gradual decrease in mental and
controls and regulates lower level cognitive processes and
goal-directed actions.4 Executive function plays a key role in
dual-task coordination and is sensitive to dual-task interfer-
physical capacity and a growing risk of disease.1,2 In an aging ence in older adults.5 Aging-related decline in executive
population, the consequences of mental and physical decline function may contribute to increased dual-task deficits in
may ultimately have a severe social and economic impact. older adults. During many activities of daily living, people

1
Department of Physical Therapy and Assistive Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.
2
Department of Physical Therapy and Assistive Technology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.
3
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chiayi Christian Hospital, Chiayi City, Taiwan.
4
Department of Neurology, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
5
Preventive Medicine Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.
i
ORCID ID (https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1548-3511).

1
2 WANG ET AL.

need to perform more than one task at a time. The inability to Materials and Methods
perform several tasks simultaneously would negatively af- Participants
fect the performance of activities of daily living. In fact,
decreased dual-task performance was associated with in- Participants were recruited from local communities in
creased fall risk in community-dwelling older adults.6 Taipei, Taiwan. Inclusion criteria were as follows: (1)
Moreover, alterations in dual-task performance can be de- community-dwelling older adults, (2) age q65 years old, (3)
tected early in neurodegenerative conditions, including able to walk independently for 10 m without any assistive
Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, as well as in device, (4) a score of mini-mental state examination q24,
mild cognitive impairment.7–9 Thus, finding ways to improve and (5) educational level q6 years or ability to read the
executive function and dual-task performance may contrib- Chinese characters. Exclusion criteria were as follows: (1)
ute to reduce aging-related mental and physical decline. diagnosed with any neurologic and cardiopulmonary disor-
Several previous meta-analyses have demonstrated the ders, (2) any musculoskeletal problems that would preclude
positive effects of exercise on executive function in older exercise training, and (3) a diagnosis of hand movement
people.10–13 The earlier meta-analysis by Colcombe and disorders, dysgraphia, agraphia, color blindness, or color
Kramer reported that the overall effect obtained was mod- vision deficiency.
erate.10 However, three other meta-analyses indicated that
older adults engaged in exercise training exhibited small Study design and procedure
effect on executive function.11–13 The modalities of exercise
This study was a single-blinded (assessor-blinded),
in these previous meta-analyses included aerobic exercise,
randomized-controlled trial. The study protocol was ap-
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resistance exercise, coordination exercise, combined exercise,


proved by the Institutional Review Board of National Yang-
Tai Chi, and yoga. These exercises mainly focus on physical
Ming University and was registered in the Australian New
training, not cognitive training, and therefore are not directly
Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN 12617000095369).
relevant to executive function. Executive function as indicated
The purpose, nature, procedure, and potential risks of the ex-
above is responsible for dual-task coordination. It is possible
periments were fully explained to the participants, and all
that dual-task training raises executive function in older
participants provided written informed consent before par-
people. Some interventional studies demonstrated that
ticipating in the study. Block randomization was used to assign
motor/cognitive dual-task training or motor/motor dual-
participants to either the experimental or control group. Par-
task training improved executive function.14–18
ticipants in the experimental group and control group received
Based on a crucial principle in motor learning, task-specific
a 12-week exergame-based dual-task training and home-based
concept, frequent repetitions of specific task exercises may
multicomponent exercise training, respectively. Outcome
contribute to improve the specific task performance. Accord-
measurements, including executive function, dual-task per-
ingly, dual-task training has been designed to enhance dual-
formance, and community walking ability, were evaluated
task performance. A previous systematic review reported that
before and after 12 weeks of training.
effects of dual-task training on motor performance under dual-
task conditions in older adults were heterogeneous.19 The
Intervention
authors suggested that to improve motor performance under
dual-task conditions optimally, the training protocols should The intervention was carried out during 12 weeks with
prefer a dual-task training with a certain level of exercise load three sessions of 60 minutes per week. Participants in both
and duration and level of task specificity to gain task-related groups performed similar routines, which were structured in
adaptations.19 Furthermore, review articles reported that the three sections: 10 minutes of warm-up, 40 minutes of main
degree of transference that occurs after dual-task training may training, and 10 minutes of cool down. Both the warm-up and
be limited.19,20 It is important to consider that the training cool-down periods focused on stretching exercises of the
effects can be transferred to everyday situations. trunk and extremities.
Training adherence is one of challenges for older Participants in the experimental group received exergame-
adults. Motivation can be harder to maintain when increas- based dual-task training using Kinect sensor with the TANO
ing the level of training load and duration that is important and PAPAMAMA Software System (Long Good, Taipei,
for obtaining positive effects. Recently, exergames have Taiwan) and the treadmill (Gait Trainer, Biodex, NY)
been used as an intervention for older adults. Training by (Fig. 1). Participants walked with self-selected speed on the
using exergames may increase interest, boost motivation, treadmill as the primary task and performed videogames as
and then enhance adherence. A meta-analytical review has the secondary task at the same time. Motor and cognitive
suggested that exergame training was an acceptable method videogames were used for training. Both types of videogame
for improving functional mobility among healthy community contained three different games (Table 1). Each game took
dwellers.21 Another recent systematic review reported that up approximately the same proportion of time and was ran-
exergame training yielded inconsistent benefits on execu- domly assigned during the 40-minute main training. During
tive function.22 Moreover, investigations into the effect of the training duration, the challenge level was increased
exergame training on both executive function and dual- progressively by increasing the treadmill speed and the dif-
task performance within the same study are scarce. The ficulty of the motor or cognitive tasks to ensure that the
aim of this study was to investigate the effects of an training remained challenging. The training was supervised
exergame-based dual-task training on executive function and and controlled by a physical therapist.
dual-task performance and the effect of transference to Participants in the control group received home-based
community walking ability among community-dwelling multicomponent exercise training. The exercise program was
older adults. demonstrated with a video and included aerobic,
EFFECTS OF EXERGAME IN OLDER ADULTS 3

nese animal zodiac in alternating order. The score on each


part is the number of seconds required to complete the
task. The test/retest reliability of the Chinese version of the
TMT-A and TMT-B was high in community-dwelling older
adults.25 The SCWT consists of two subtasks, congruous and
incongruous conditions. In the congruous condition, the
words black, blue, red, and yellow were printed in the same
color ink with the word. In the incongruous condition, the
words were printed in a different ink color. Participants were
required to name the ink color as quickly and as accurately as
possible within 45 seconds. The scoring was generated using
the correct number of items completed on each subtask. The
test/retest reliability of the Chinese version of the SCWT has
been established.25

Dual-task performance. Motor timed up-and-go dual-


task and cognitive timed up-and-go dual-task were used to
FIG. 1. Instrument of the exergame-based dual-task measure dual-task performance.26 During the timed up-and-
training consists of a treadmill, the Kinect, a computer, a
projector, and a screen. go test, participants were required to stand from a seated
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position, walk 3 m at their fastest pace, turn around, walk


back to the chair, and sit down. In the motor timed up-and-go
strengthening, and balance exercise. Participants were re- dual-task, participants were asked to perform the up-and-go
quested to reach 12 to 14 of rate of perceived exertion during task while grasping a drinking glass filled with water without
the training period. Participants had to record their exercise spilling or else that would be considered failed. The motor
session in a record form and submit after the exercise pro- timed up-and-go dual-task test was timed in seconds. In the
gram was done. Participants received phone calls from the cognitive timed up-and-go dual-task, participants were asked
physical therapist once in 2–3 weeks to check on the prog- to perform the up-and-go task while counting back in threes,
ress. starting from a random double digit. In addition to the per-
formance time, the correct number of counting steps was
recorded. The cognitive dual-task performance was shown as
Outcome measures correct number/performance time. Each test was repeated
three successful times and the means of the three successful
Executive function. The Chinese version of the 25-item trials were used for further data analysis.
Executive Interview (EXIT25), the Trail Making Test
(TMT), and the Chinese version of the Stroop Color and Community walking ability. Community walk test was
Word Test (SCWT) were used to measure the executive used to evaluate community walking ability.27 Participants
function. The EXIT25 consisted of a 25-item rating for ex- were requested to walk at their usual pace for 400 m in a
ecutive function on tasks. Scores ranged from 0 to 2 for each nearby community. The 400-m walk comprised cross street,
item, and higher scores indicated worse performance.23 The up and down the ramp/curb, and stepping over an obstacle.
Chinese version of EXIT25 had high internal consistency The time to complete community walking was recorded.
and good reliability.24 The TMT consists of Part A (TMT-A)
and Part B (TMT-B).25 For the TMT-A, participants must Sample size
draw a line sequentially connecting 25 encircled numbers.
For the Chinese version of TMT-B, participants must draw a The effect size was estimated to be 0.70 from the results of
line sequentially connecting 12 encircled numbers and Chi- EXIT25 in our previous study.28 The sample size was de-
termined using G*Power 3.1 based on the effect size of 0.70,
Table 1. Motor and Cognitive Videogames an alpha level of 5%, 80% power, and an f test model.
A minimum sample size of 16 participants was indicated.
Games Tasks A total of 20 participants were recruited and allocated into
the experimental and control groups.
Motor
Fire game To detonate fireworks using the head, Statistical analyses
shoulder, elbow, hand, or knee
Brick game To hit the brick by shooting the ball All of the statistical data were analyzed with the SPSS
Fishing game To catch fish using hand statistical package version 24.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL).
Cognitive Descriptive statistics (mean – standard deviation) were used
Puzzle game To arrange items according to their to present the baseline demographics of all participants.
characteristics Baseline demographics and the preintervention variables
To choose the correct shape or color between groups were compared using the independent t test
To solve mathematical questions for continuous variables and chi-square test for categorical
Digital game To arrange 9 different numbers in order variables. A two-way analysis of variance (group · time) was
Wipe game To wipe a dirty picture and state what is
on the picture used to determine differences of each dependent variable.
When the interaction effect was significant, the main factor’s
4 WANG ET AL.

group and time were tested again using the independent t test No significant between-group differences were found for
and paired t test, respectively. Change scores were calculated demographics and gender- and health-related data. More-
by subtracting preintervention data from postintervention over, there were no significant between-group differences in
data. Pearson’s test was used to analyze the correlation be- any of the preintervention outcome measures (Table 3). All
tween change in executive function and change in dual-task participants in the current study had 100% of attendance
performance. The statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. rates in their 36 exercise sessions. None of the participants
The current study reported partial g2 as an index of effect reported any adverse events.
size. The criteria for judging the estimated effect size are as Table 3 shows all results of the two-way analysis of var-
follows: a large effect size was q0.14, a medium effect size iance. The results showed significant time effects and
was 0.06 to 0.13, and a small effect size was 0.01 to 0.05.29 time · group interaction effects for all examined variables
(P = 0.000–0.027). Post hoc within-group comparisons re-
Results
vealed significant improvements in the EXIT25 (P = 0.025)
A total number of 85 participants from local communities and community walk test (P = 0.048) in the control group and
were screened and 20 enrolled in the present study. Ten significant improvements in all the examined variables in the
participants were randomized and assigned to the experiment experimental group (P = 0.000–0.004). Post hoc between-
group and 10 to the control group. The progress through the group comparisons showed significant differences in the
phases of enrollment, intervention allocation, and data EXIT25 (P = 0.014), both conditions of the SCWT (con-
analysis is represented in Figure 2. Table 2 presents an gruous: P = 0.041; incongruous: P = 0.037), cognitive dual-
overview of the demographic characteristics of participants. task test (P < 0.001), and community walk test (P = 0.002).
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FIG. 2. Flowchart of the experimental design.


EFFECTS OF EXERGAME IN OLDER ADULTS 5

0.823

0.284
0.411

0.243
0.658
0.603
0.661
0.497
Table 2. Baseline Characteristics by Study Group

ES
Time · group
Control Experimental
group group
Variables (n = 10) (n = 10) P

<0.001

0.016
0.002

0.027
<0.001
<0.001
<0.001
0.001
P
Age (years) 73.50 – 5.66 71.30 – 5.33 0.383
Gender (male/female) 4/6 3/7 0.639
Body height (cm) 157.20 – 6.73 157.30 – 7.47 0.975
Body weight (kg) 62.60 – 8.04 61.50 – 7.76 0.759

0.892

0.406
0.599

0.477
0.684
0.671
0.774
0.681
Body mass index 25.41 – 3.61 24.87 – 2.89 0.718

ES
(kg/m2)

Time effect
Mini-mental state 28.80 – 1.14 28.90 – 0.99 0.836

Table 3. Executive Function and Dual-Task Performance with Two-Way Analysis of Variance
examination
Education (years) 9.80 – 3.77 10.80 – 3.26 0.533

<0.001

0.003
<0.001

0.001
<0.001
<0.001
<0.001
<0.001
No. of chronic 0.90 – 0.74 0.60 – 0.84 0.408

P
diseases
Data are presented as the mean – standard deviation or n.

291.95 – 27.81***,{{
0.84 – 0.16***,{{{
Postintervention
,{

94.40 – 15.05**,{
37.90 – 8.67***,{
52.50 – 15.79***
Table 4 shows correlations between change in executive

3.30 – 1.42***

29.20 – 12.97**

10.15 – 2.79***
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function and change in dual-task performance. The results

Experimental group (n = 10)


showed that improved motor dual-task performance corre-
lated significantly with improved EXIT25 (r = 0.674),
TMT-B (r = 0.629), and both conditions of the SCWT
(congruous: r = -0.471; incongruous: r = -0.681). The simi-
lar correlations between improved cognitive dual-task per-
formance and improved EXIT25 (r = -0.701), TMT-B
(r = -0.641), and both conditions of the SCWT (congruous:
Preintervention

38.80 – 14.74
70.10 – 19.32

83.80 – 13.90

319.50 – 28.16
r = 0.455; incongruous: r = 0.519) were also observed.

8.20 – 2.15

31.10 – 8.69
14.62 – 3.48
0.56 – 0.17
Discussion

*P < 0.05, **P < 0.01, and ***P < 0.001 show a significant difference versus preintervention.
The two main findings of the present study were as

P < 0.05, {{P < 0.01, and {{{P < 0.001 show a significant difference versus control group.
follows: first, that exergame-based dual-task training sig-
nificantly improved executive function and dual-task per-
formance in older adults; and second, that improvement in
Postintervention

331.55 – 20.26*
5.90 – 2.69*

41.50 – 13.75
71.30 – 26.21

79.10 – 16.02
executive function and dual-task performance can translate 30.10 – 6.71
12.74 – 3.10
0.53 – 0.16

Values are mean – standard deviation. Effect size was calculated as partial g2.
into improved community walking ability. These findings are
Control group (n = 10)

important since executive function and dual-task perfor-


mance are particular affected in the aging process.3,30 With
advanced age, decline in mental and physical function may
decrease participation in social and community activities.
The exergame-based dual-task training can be considered
one of the training programs aiming to improve executive
Preintervention

42.80 – 16.95
74.60 – 30.33

76.40 – 20.05

336.80 – 21.17
6.60 – 2.50

29.90 – 6.98
13.07 – 2.87
0.49 – 0.13

function, dual-task performance, and community walking


ES, effect size; EXIT25, 25-item Executive Interview.

ability in the older people. Moreover, 100% attendance was


observed in the exergame-based intervention in the present
study. The high attendance may be due to the interactive,
enjoyable, and challenging training program that is different
from other types of exercise. This finding supports that
exergame training has the potential to promote exercise
Community walk test (seconds)

adherence.
The training program used in the current study was designed
Stroop Color and Word Test

based on the dual-task principle. Both motor/cognitive dual-


Motor dual-task (seconds)
Cognitive dual task (n/s)

task and motor/motor dual-task were incorporated in our


training program, since our everyday actions consist of these
Part A (seconds)
Part B (seconds)

Incongruous (n)
Trail Making Test

two types of dual-task. In addition, walk is one of the most


Congruous (n)

important activities of daily living. Improving dual-task per-


Variable/group

formance with walking is an important goal for prolonging


functionality. Therefore, our training program combined
EXIT25

walking with concurrent cognitive or motor tasks. Previous


studies have reported that both motor/cognitive dual-task
{

training and motor/motor dual-task training showed positive


6 WANG ET AL.

Table 4. Correlation (R) Between Change program might trigger the beneficial effects on the measured
in Executive Function and Change in Dual-Task executive functions and processing speed.
Performance (n = 20) Our previous results showed moderate-to-high correla-
tions between improved executive function and improved
Motor dual-task Cognitive dual
(seconds) task (n/s) dual-task performance.28 In line with our previous finding,
the current study showed similar results. This is not sur-
Variables r P r P prising since executive function is closely related to dual-
task performance.43,44 Nevertheless, gains in dual-task
EXIT25 0.674 0.001 -0.701 0.001 performance were lowly correlated with gains in information
Trail Making Test processing speed. Processing speed is a cognitive function
Part A (seconds) 0.174 0.462 -0.373 0.105
Part B (seconds) 0.629 0.003 -0.641 0.002 related to process information quickly and accurately.
A previous study suggested that poorer processing speed,
Stroop Color and Word Test short-term memory, and sustained attention were the major
Congruous (n) -0.471 0.036 0.455 0.044
Incongruous (n) -0.681 0.001 0.519 0.019 cognitive contributors to slower dual-task walking.44 An-
other study demonstrated that processing speed measured by
the digit symbol task was associated with dual-task step and
stride regularity, whereas processing speed measured by
effects on executive function.14–18 Consistently, the current TMT-A emerged independently of the dual-task walking.45
study demonstrated that the exergame-based dual-task training The great heterogeneity of the use of dual-tasks and tests to
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showed a larger improvement in executive function compared evaluate processing speed makes the comparison of the re-
with home-based multicomponent exercise training. This sults very difficult. The observations presented herein are
result showed a large effect size with a significance for that executive function contributed to dual tasks. However,
the time · group interaction between exergame-based dual- the relationship between processing speed and dual task re-
task training versus home-based multicomponent exercise mains uncertain.
training (Table 3). Executive function is mainly processed The results from the current study expanded our under-
in a frontal/cingulate/parietal/subcortical cognitive control standing of the influence of dual-task training on participa-
network.31 Neuroimaging evidence revealed that dual-task tion in community activities in older adults. It is important to
training improved the efficiency of neural circuitry and the consider whether performance gains can be transferred to
synapse communication in the brain network in older everyday tasks. Our results demonstrated that gains from
adults.15,32,33 This, in turn, could positively influence the executive function and dual-task performance transferred to
movement execution. community walking ability. Wollesen and Voelcker-Rehage
Furthermore, the exergame-based dual-task training re- as well as Varela-Vásquez et al. supposed that variable task
sulted in a higher improvement in inhibitory control (mea- prioritization training might help to promote transfer.19,20 In
sured by the SCWT) compared with the home-based addition, the transferability of trained tasks to those that are
multicomponent exercise training. A previous study also not would more likely occur when the tasks involve related
indicated that dual-task training improved inhibitory per- demands requiring similar skills.20,46 Our intervention took a
formance in older adults.16 The inhibitory control is the flexible prioritization or resource allocation that is one of the
ability to inhibit automated responses, which is a dimension advantages to reveal transfer effect. Also, our training
of executive function, and contributes to anticipation, plan- combined walking with motor or cognitive tasks that re-
ning, and goal setting.34 The inhibitory control may have quired participants to actively modify their step while si-
relevance to the ability to cope with more than one task at a multaneously responding to a variety of tasks. The trained
time.35,36 The results of this study showed that there were skills are similar to those in community walking. Therefore,
moderate correlations between change in inhibitory control this kind of intervention may lead to transfer to community
and change in dual-task performance (Table 4). These find- mobility.
ings support that dual-task training has the potential to in- Some limitations of the present study must be mentioned.
duce cognitive plasticity in older adulthood, thus preserving First, a passive control group might have helped to exclude
the efficiency of supervisory brain areas in which inhibitory the potential test/retest effects in explaining changes in
control is involved and then enhancing the execution of dual- outcome measures. Second, no follow-up measurement was
task or multitask.37,38 performed to ascertain maintenance of effects after exercise
Apart from inhibitory control, TMT-A and TMT-B were cessation. Last, it remains to be determined whether the
used to assess the information processing speed and shifting, training effects can be obtained with other older populations
respectively, in the current study. Participants in the exper- such as prefrail or frail older adults.
imental group had significant improvements in both infor-
mation processing speed and shifting. Previous studies also
Conclusion
reported that dual-task training led to improved information
processing speed and shifting.17,39 By contrast, some studies The current study demonstrated that in community-
did not exhibit improvements in information processing dwelling older adults, exergame-based dual-task training has
speed and shifting.40,41 A previous study indicated that dif- a more positive impact on executive function and dual-task
ferent types of videogames may have positive effects on the performance than home-based multicomponent exercise
specific cognitive aspect.42 The videogames used in the training. The exergame-based dual-task training showed a
current study included cues that trained speed of information significant improvement in inhibitory control and shifting as
processing, switching, and inhibition. Therefore, our training well as cognitive and motor dual-task performance. Notably,
EFFECTS OF EXERGAME IN OLDER ADULTS 7

this impact could transfer to enhance community walking Cognitive load dual-task gait speed assessment. J Int
ability. These findings are important for health promotion Neuropsychol Soc 2017; 23:493–501.
among community-dwelling older adults. 10. Colcombe S, Kramer AF. Fitness effects on the cognitive
function of older adults: A meta-analytic study. Psychol Sci
Authors’ Contributions 2003; 14:125–130.
11. Smith PJ, Blumenthal JA, Hoffman BM, et al. Aerobic
R.-Y.W., Y.-C.H., and Y.-R.Y. conceived the concept and exercise and neurocognitive performance: A meta-analytic
rationale for the study. Y.-C.H. collected the data. R.-Y.W., review of randomized controlled trials. Psychosom Med
Y.-C.H., and Y.-R.Y. analyzed the data. R.-Y.W., Y.-C.H., 2010; 72:239–252.
J.-H.Z., S.-J.C., and Y.-R.Y. interpreted the results. R.-Y.W. 12. Northey JM, Cherbuin N, Pumpa KL, et al. Exercise in-
and Y.-R.Y. drafted the article. All authors have read and terventions for cognitive function in adults older than 50: A
approved the final article. systematic review with meta-analysis. Br J Sports Med
2018; 52:154–160.
Acknowledgments 13. Chen FT, Etnier JL, Chan KH, et al. Effects of exercise
training interventions on executive function in older adults:
The authors express sincere appreciation to the partici- A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sports Med 2020;
pants for their cooperation. The authors also acknowledge 50:1451–1467.
Mr. Ray Chen and the Long Good team for partly supporting 14. Eggenberger P, Schumacher V, Angst M, et al. Does
the exergaming equipment. multicomponent physical exercise with simultaneous cog-
nitive training boost cognitive performance in older adults?
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Author Disclosure Statement A 6-month randomized controlled trial with a 1-year


follow-up. Clin Interv Aging 2015; 10:1335–1349.
No competing financial interests exist.
15. Nishiguchi S, Yamada M, Tanigawa T, et al. A 12-week
physical and cognitive exercise program can improve
Funding Information cognitive function and neural efficiency in community-
This work was supported by the Ministry of Science and dwelling older adults: A randomized controlled trial. J Am
Technology of the Republic of China (Grant No. MOST107- Geriatr Soc 2015; 63:1355–1363.
2314-B-010-041-MY3). 16. Falbo S, Condello G, Capranica L, et al. Effects of
physical-cognitive dual task training on executive function
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