OBJECTIVE

Combined interventions of physical activity and cognitive training have been shown to effectively enhance physical and mental factors in older adults. Digital-based tools offer various social advantages and may be more effective in improving the physical and mental well-being of older adults. As digital health content can simultaneously provide physical activity and cognitive training, this study aims to investigate the effects of a digital-based physical and cognitive training program on the physical and mental health of older women and to explore the potential of digital tools for older adults.

METHODS

The participants, older women, engaged in the program three times a week for 12 weeks, with each session lasting 30 minutes (10 minutes for each of the three components). The content included digital health tools such as VR, motion tracking, and touchscreens designed for cognitive and physical fitness. Measurements were taken one week before and after the intervention for both groups, assessing body composition, cognitive function, depression, and quality of life.

RESULTS

Data from 36 participants were analyzed. Interaction effects were observed in body fat mass ( = .011) and body fat percentage ( = .01), with improvements noted in the digital intervention group. Cognitive function ( = .017) and depression ( = .017) also showed significant improvements in the digital intervention group. Quality of life subdomains, including Physical Function ( = .009), Limitation of Physical Function ( = .004), and Pain ( = .002), demonstrated significant interaction effects, though no interaction effects were found in other subdomains.

CONCLUSION

This study found that digital-based combined interventions did not significantly impact body comb position but did improve cognitive function and depression in older women. These findings suggest that digital tools can be effectively utilized for the comprehensive management of cognitive function and mental health well-being. Such insights contribute to promoting healthy aging and provide an efficient method for managing the mental and physical health of older adults.