Lack of changes in motor function of the brain in healthy older adults after participation in a cognitive walking program

A walking-based exercise program, called the cognitive walking program (CWP), has been shown to be beneficial for improving cognitive function in healthy older adults. It remains unknown whether it is beneficial for improving motor function of the brain. We investigated the effects of CWP on motor function of the brain by examining changes in interlimb transfer of visuomotor adaptation in older adults. Subjects were divided based on their physical activity level (active vs. sedentary) and participated in CWP. A control group performed normal walking. Fifty-two healthy older adults, 67–78 years old, were studied. All subjects participated in CWP or normal walking for 6 months. To assess brain motor function, all subjects adapted to a rotated visual display during reaching movements with the right arm first, then with the left arm. Interlimb transfer of visuomotor adaptation was assessed at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months after training onset. It was hypothesized that if CWP had beneficial effects, the extent of transfer would change over time. The subject’s physical fitness was also assessed. Significant transfer from the right to the left arm occurred in all subject groups. Improvements in physical fitness were also observed. However, the extent of transfer did not change even after 6 months, with no group difference. Findings suggest that though beneficial for improving cognitive function in older adults, participating in CWP for 6 months is not long enough to improve brain motor function when the motor function is reflected as changes in interlimb transfer of visuomotor adaptation.