Working memory (WM) training (WMT), aerobic exercise training (AET), and dual-task training improve cognitive functions and alter neural systems in older adults. In particular, the effects have been investigated of dual-task training that combines a walking or standing activity (balance exercise) simultaneously performed with cognitive training (which is ecologically difficult for the elderly). In this study, we investigated the effects of simultaneously performed dual-task training incorporating both AET and WMT (SDAEWMT), using a recumbent ergocycle bicycle and a WMT program that provided a portable console and made the training ecologically easy for the elderly. Older adults ( years old) participated in 3 months of SDAEWMT, WMT, or AET after random allocation, and the effects of SDAEWMT were compared with those of WMT and AET. Prior to and after training, all the subjects underwent cognitive testing, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) involving diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and functional MRI during performance of an N-back WM task. SDAEWMT improved executive function (performance of a frontal assessment battery); however, there was no evidence of broader transfer effects or enhanced learning with WMT. SDAEWMT resulted in mean diffusivity changes in brain areas involving the dopaminergic system, suggesting that neural tissue changes occurred in these areas. SDAEWMT also resulted in an increase in brain activity during the 2-back working memory task in brain areas involved in attentional reorientation. These results suggest that SDAEWMT is effective for improving cognitive functions and inducing beneficial neural changes in older adults.

中文翻译：

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同时进行有氧运动和工作记忆训练的双重任务训练对老年人认知功能和神经系统的影响

工作记忆（WM）训练（WMT），有氧运动训练（AET）和双任务训练可改善老年人的认知功能并改变神经系统。特别地，已经研究了双任务训练的效果，该训练结合了同时进行的步行或站立活动（平衡运动）和认知训练（对于老年人而言在生态上是困难的）。在这项研究中，我们调查了同时使用AET和WMT（SDAEWMT）进行双任务训练的效果，使用了卧式人体工程学自行车和WMT程序，该程序提供了便携式控制台，使老年人的训练在生态上变得容易。老年人（岁）在随机分配后参加了3个月的SDAEWMT，WMT或AET，并将SDAEWMT的效果与WMT和AET的效果进行了比较。在训练之前和之后，所有受试者在执行N背WM任务期间均接受认知测试，涉及弥散张量成像（DTI）的磁共振成像（MRI）和功能性MRI。SDAEWMT改善了执行功能（正面评估电池的性能）；但是，没有证据表明更广泛的转移效应或WMT可以增强学习效果。SDAEWMT导致涉及多巴胺能系统的大脑区域的平均扩散率变化，表明这些区域发生了神经组织变化。SDAEWMT还导致在涉及注意力重新定向的大脑区域的2向后工作记忆任务中，大脑活动增加。