Abstract
Recent evidence suggests that combined aerobic exercise and cognitive training is superior to single-modality training for improving cognition and mobility. However, we do not know whether multi-modal training is better delivered sequentially or simultaneously. The current study contrasted sequential and simultaneous protocols. Forty-one healthy older adults underwent simultaneous or sequential training, involving 12 sessions of computerized divided attention training and aerobic exercise. Comparisons of pre- and post-training measures revealed improvements on the trained cognitive task, a near transfer dual task, and measures of processing speed and verbal memory. Significant improvements were also observed on the Sit-To-Stand mobility measure, with greater gains in the sequential training group. A slight advantage overall was observed for the sequential group, however simultaneous training did not appear to detract from the impact of the intervention. The results will also be discussed in terms of motivation as a moderating factor in training efficacy.