Krumpolt Marlene, Rahil David, Schumacher Anneke, Sannemann Lucas, Witte Kerstin
Institut III, Sportwissenschaft, Otto-von Guericke-Universität Magdeburg, Zschokkestr. 32, 39104, Magdeburg, Germany.
Z Gerontol Geriatr. 2025 Jan 31. doi: 10.1007/s00391-024-02405-1.
Neuroanatomical parameters deteriorate with age and this process varies among individuals. Gender differences in these parameters have been documented but their effects on cognition remain unclear. Physical activity, continuous learning and social interactions are recognized strategies to prevent cognitive decline.
This study investigated the effects of multidimensional training on selective attention and reaction speed in physically inactive but healthy older adults, exploring gender-specific differences in cognitive abilities.
The study employed a pre-post design and included a 24-week exercise program. A total of 60 participants (30 male, 30 female) aged 65-69 years completed the program, which consisted of 90 min of fitness and 90 min of recreational sports each week. Cognitive performance was assessed using the STROOP (a visual test for selective attention) and reaction time (RT) tests administered through the Vienna Test System.
Significant gender differences were observed. Women were initially slower than men but significantly improved their reaction speed after the training (p < 0.001, d = 1.144). Conversely, men showed significant improvements in controlled and automated actions (p = 0.021, d = 0.5).
Multidimensional training enhances cognitive performance in physically inactive older adults. Gender-specific differences in reaction time were confirmed, while differences in other cognitive domains were revealed. The underlying causes of these differences are still unclear, raising the question of whether training programs should be tailored differently for men and women.
神经解剖学参数会随着年龄增长而恶化，且这个过程存在个体差异。这些参数的性别差异已有记录，但它们对认知的影响仍不明确。体育活动、持续学习和社交互动是公认的预防认知衰退的策略。
本研究调查了多维训练对身体不活跃但健康的老年人选择性注意力和反应速度的影响，探讨认知能力方面的性别差异。
本研究采用前后测设计，包括一个为期24周的锻炼计划。共有60名年龄在65 - 69岁的参与者（30名男性，30名女性）完成了该计划，该计划每周包括90分钟的健身活动和90分钟的娱乐运动。使用通过维也纳测试系统进行的斯特鲁普测试（一种选择性注意力的视觉测试）和反应时间测试来评估认知表现。
观察到显著的性别差异。女性最初比男性反应慢，但训练后反应速度显著提高（p < 0.001，d = 1.144）。相反，男性在受控和自动动作方面有显著改善（p = 0.021，d = 0.5）。
多维训练可提高身体不活跃的老年人的认知表现。反应时间的性别差异得到证实，同时在其他认知领域也发现了差异。这些差异的潜在原因仍不清楚，这就提出了训练计划是否应该针对男性和女性进行不同定制的问题。
