Title : Effects of backward walking training on executive function in healthy older adults: a randomized controlled trial
Abstract:
Background: Age-related decline in executive function significantly impacts the independence and quality of life for older adults.Backward walking training (BWT) has emerged as a promising, non-invasive intervention with potential benefits for cognitive health. This study investigated whether BWT could improve executive function in healthy older adults.
Methods: A randomized controlled trial was undertaken involving 40 healthy male adults aged between 65 and 70 years. Half of the participants engaged in BWT, while the remaining individuals constituted the control group. The BWT group participated in a structured 12-week program with gradually increasing intensity and duration. The control group maintained their usual lifestyle activities. Both groups underwent pre- and post-intervention assessments of executive function using objective measures: the Stroop Color-Word Test, the 2-back Test, and the More-Odd Shifting Test, administered with E-Prime 2.0 software (Psychology Software Tools, Inc., Pittsburgh, PA, USA). All analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows (Chicago, IL, USA) version 24.0, with p values less than 0.05 considered statistically significant.
Results: Compared to the control group, the BWT group demonstrated faster performance on the Stroop Color-Word Test (p<0.05), 2-back Test (p<0.05), and More-Odd Shifting Test (p<0.05), suggesting enhanced cognitive inhibition, working memory, and cognitive updating/flexibility. Notably, the accuracy of executive function tests remained unchanged in BWT group (p?0.05). The control group did not show any significant changes in any outcome measure (p?0.05).
Conclusion: This study provides evidence that BWT is an effective intervention for improving executive function in healthy older adults. These improvements suggest potential benefits for promoting cognitive health in this population. Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects of BWT and its potential applications in various clinical settings (National Social Science Fund Project, NO.23BTY119).
Keywords: Backward walking training; executive function; ageing; healthy older adults
Audience Take Away:
- Engaging in backward walking training holds promise for enhancing cognitive health in healthy older adults.
- Backward walking training resulted in faster completion times on the executive function test, it did not significantly impact the overall accuracy of the test scores.
- Backward walking training is an effective intervention for improving executive function in healthy older adults.
